Description
A bright and flavorful Lemon Chicken Skillet recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a zesty lemon and garlic sauce, finished with fresh herbs. This quick and easy stovetop dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner with vibrant, tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to build flavor and enrich the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, reduce the heat, and simmer for 3-5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the tangy flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken to add color and an herbal freshness that brightens the dish.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use fresh lemon zest and juice for the best vibrant flavor.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce a bit longer before adding the chicken back in.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or rice to make it a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed after simmering.
