Description
This Lemon Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts infused with zesty, fresh citrus flavor. Pan-seared to golden perfection and simmered in a luscious buttery lemon garlic sauce with fragrant herbs, it’s a quick and easy meal that feels like dining out at home, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear each side for 5–6 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside temporarily.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, melt the unsalted butter, and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Simmer Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the sauce. Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken, garnish with lemon slices, and serve hot for a fresh, vibrant plate.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat with more fat and flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
