Zesty Skillet Lemon Garlic Chicken

Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: Lemon and Garlic Chicken! This incredible dish is bursting with bright, zesty flavors and features perfectly pan-fried chicken enveloped in a luscious, savory lemon-garlic sauce. Designed for simplicity and maximum impact, it comes together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe promises a delightful experience, delivering tender, succulent chicken with a gorgeous golden-brown crust, all infused with the irresistible aroma of fresh lemon and pungent garlic.

Imagine tender chicken breasts, lightly dusted and seared to a beautiful crisp, then bathed in a rich, buttery sauce that balances the tang of lemon with the deep warmth of garlic. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that elevates a simple chicken dinner into something truly special. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a vibrant, comforting, and remarkably easy meal that will become a staple in your kitchen. Pair it with your favorite seasonal sides for a complete, satisfying, and protein-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

For those who love delicious and straightforward chicken recipes, this Lemon and Garlic Chicken is a must-try. Its one-pan preparation minimizes effort without compromising on the depth of flavor. The chicken develops a beautifully crispy exterior while remaining juicy and tender inside, thanks to a light dredge in seasoned flour. The star of the show, however, is undoubtedly the vibrant sauce – a perfect blend of butter, garlic, lemon juice, and chicken broth, thickened slightly as it simmers. It’s truly a dish that exemplifies gourmet taste with minimal fuss.

If you’re eager to explore more mouth-watering chicken creations, be sure to check out our other popular recipes. You might enjoy the creamy indulgence of my Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for a hearty pasta night, or the comforting goodness of my Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole for a family-friendly baked dish.

Why This Lemon and Garlic Chicken Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

This Lemon and Garlic Chicken isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly convenient and versatile. Here’s why you’ll want to add it to your regular meal rotation:

• Unforgettable Homemade Lemon Garlic Sauce: The heart of this dish is its vibrant sauce. Crafted from fresh garlic, bright lemon juice, rich butter, and savory chicken broth, this zesty and buttery concoction transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary experience. It’s a balanced flavor profile that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying, enhancing every bite of chicken.
• Perfectly Crispy-Edged, Succulent Chicken: We achieve that coveted golden, crispy exterior by lightly dusting chicken breasts in seasoned flour before pan-frying. This technique not only creates a delightful textural contrast but also locks in moisture, ensuring the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy on the inside. No more dry, bland chicken – just perfectly cooked protein with a beautiful golden crust.
• Effortless One-Skillet Meal: Simplicity is key! This entire dish is prepared in a single skillet, drastically cutting down on dirty dishes and making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. From searing the chicken to simmering the sauce, everything happens in one pan, allowing flavors to meld beautifully and making cleanup a breeze.
• Quick & Convenient: In a mere 30 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for those evenings when time is short but you still crave a homemade, flavorful dinner.
• Naturally Wholesome & Customizable: Chicken breast is a lean protein, and when combined with fresh ingredients like lemon and garlic, this dish offers a relatively healthy meal option. It’s also highly customizable – whether you want to add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or make it creamy, it easily adapts to your preferences.

Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Garlic Chicken

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this fantastic meal. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, making this a convenient dish to prepare any day of the week. Quality ingredients truly shine in this simple yet flavorful recipe.

• Chicken Breasts: We recommend large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and a lean protein source. You’ll cut them in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets, ensuring even cooking and a larger surface area for that delicious crispy crust.
• Butter: Essential for both searing the chicken and creating the rich, luscious base for our lemon garlic sauce. Salted butter adds extra depth of flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used to lightly dredge the chicken, which helps create a golden-brown, crispy crust and contributes to the sauce’s slight thickening.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and the sauce.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth, a hint of smoky flavor, and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken’s crust.
• Garlic Powder: Provides an additional layer of savory garlic flavor to the chicken dredge, complementing the fresh garlic in the sauce.
• Lemon Garlic Sauce Components:
  • Fresh Garlic: The backbone of the sauce! We use a generous amount, both finely chopped (or minced) for intense flavor and optionally a few whole cloves for a milder, roasted garlic essence.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid base for the sauce, adding savory depth and helping to deglaze the pan. Low-sodium broth allows you to control the seasoning.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: The star citrus! Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides that essential bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and garlic, balancing the dish perfectly.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of fresh herbaceousness and a beautiful green garnish, enhancing both the flavor and visual appeal.

Mastering Your Lemon and Garlic Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful Lemon and Garlic Chicken is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions closely for a perfectly cooked and incredibly delicious meal every time.

• Prepare and Coat the Chicken: Begin by preparing your chicken breasts. Slice each large chicken breast in half lengthwise, creating two thinner cutlets. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. For even tenderness, you can lightly pound them with a meat mallet to a uniform thickness, about 1/2-inch. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix these seasonings thoroughly. Dredge each chicken cutlet in this seasoned flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent a gummy texture.

• Pan Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 3 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt and lightly foam. Carefully place the flour-coated chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (you may need to work in batches). Pan sear for about 5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate; loosely tent with foil to keep warm.

• Craft the Zesty Lemon Garlic Sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add both the finely chopped/minced garlic and any optional whole garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned (burnt garlic can taste bitter). Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor to your sauce. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley. Continue to simmer for another minute or two, allowing the sauce to slightly reduce and thicken. Finally, stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding a pinch of salt if desired.

• Combine and Serve: Gently return the pan-seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering lemon garlic sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. If you like, add a few fresh lemon slices to the pan for an extra burst of aroma and visual appeal. Allow the dish to simmer on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes. This final simmer allows the flavors to fully meld, warms the chicken through, and helps the sauce thicken slightly more. Remove from heat. Garnish with more fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired, then serve immediately and savor every delicious bite!

Enhance Your Dish: Expert Notes and Tips for Success

To ensure your Lemon and Garlic Chicken is absolutely perfect and to offer some exciting variations, here are some invaluable notes and tips:

• Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Variation: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, consider making Parmesan-crusted chicken. After coating the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in an egg wash, and then dredge it in a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Pan-sear as directed for a truly decadent twist.
• Healthier Option: If you’re looking to reduce calories and carbohydrates, you can easily omit the flour dredge. Simply season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, then pan-sear them directly in a little olive oil or butter until cooked through and golden. The sauce can still be made in the same pan.
• Preventing Over-Browning: Keep an eye on the chicken while searing. If the crust starts to brown too quickly before the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium-low. This allows the chicken to cook more gently and thoroughly without burning the exterior. An instant-read thermometer should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.
• Boosting Lemon Flavor: For an even more intense and vibrant lemon flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the sauce along with the lemon juice. Zest contains essential oils that provide a powerful citrus punch without adding extra liquid.
• Creamy Lemon Garlic Sauce: Transform this dish into a creamy delight by stirring in about 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half when you add the chicken broth to the skillet. Allow it to simmer and thicken slightly for a richer, more indulgent sauce.
• Versatile Pairing: This chicken dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with almost any vegetable or starchy side. Classic choices include fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
• Adding Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and color of your meal by incorporating vegetables directly into the dish. Blanch some broccoli florets, asparagus spears, or green beans separately, then add them to the skillet during the final simmer when you return the chicken. They’ll absorb the sauce’s delicious flavors.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: When searing the chicken, ensure you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cooking too many pieces at once can lower the pan’s temperature, leading to steamed chicken instead of a crispy sear. Work in batches if necessary.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While parsley is recommended, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary could add another layer of aromatic complexity.

Choosing the Best Cut of Chicken for This Recipe

While I’ve primarily used boneless, skinless chicken breasts in this recipe for their lean profile and quick cooking time, you absolutely have options. You can easily substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be more forgiving and remain incredibly juicy due to their higher fat content, often offering an even richer flavor. If using thighs, the cooking time will vary slightly; they might require a few extra minutes per side. Always ensure any chicken is cooked through completely by using an instant-read thermometer, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Lemon and Garlic Chicken

This easy and flavorful Lemon and Garlic Chicken is incredibly versatile and complements a wide array of side dishes. Whether you prefer grains, starches, or fresh vegetables, there’s a perfect pairing for every taste. Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal:

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The perfect absorbent canvas for the zesty lemon garlic sauce. Consider my Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Fluffy Rice or Quinoa: Simple steamed white or brown rice, or even quinoa, will soak up all the delicious sauce, making for a truly satisfying bite.
• Crispy Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts roasted until tender-crisp add freshness and a pleasing texture contrast. Try my Easy Green Bean Casserole (modified for a fresh side).
• Hearty Potato Dishes: Beyond mashed, consider a rich gratin or simple roasted wedges. My Easy Potatoes Gratin or Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer comforting alternatives.
• Fresh Pasta: A light pasta dish, such as angel hair or linguine, tossed with a little olive oil, butter, and extra lemon juice, would be a wonderful accompaniment.
• Simple Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken and sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a good loaf of crusty bread to sop up every last drop of that incredible lemon garlic sauce!

Meal Prep Magic: Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This Lemon and Garlic Chicken is fantastic for meal prepping, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights. While it’s best served fresh, you can certainly prepare components in advance. The most effective way to prep ahead is to slice your chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly in the flour and spice mixture. Once coated, place them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply remove the chicken from the refrigerator and proceed with the searing and sauce-making instructions as outlined in the recipe. This pre-preparation step significantly reduces active cooking time, allowing you to enjoy a freshly cooked meal with minimal fuss.

For fully cooked leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also reheat in the microwave, but stovetop reheating will better preserve the chicken’s texture.

Discover More Delectable Chicken Recipes

Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein, offering endless possibilities for delicious meals. If you’ve enjoyed this Lemon and Garlic Chicken, you’re sure to love these other fantastic chicken recipes from our collection:

• Hearty Baked Chicken and Potatoes
• Amazing Jalapeño Popper Chicken
• Flavorful Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken
• Authentic Homemade Lebanese Chicken Shawarma
• The Best Classic Chicken Cacciatore

I genuinely hope you find joy in preparing and savoring all the recipes I share, and this Lemon and Garlic Chicken is no exception. It’s a dish crafted with passion and designed to bring deliciousness to your table. I encourage you to try it, experience its wonderful flavors, and share your thoughts. Your feedback is always appreciated!

If this recipe becomes a new favorite, please do share your creations with me on INSTAGRAM using my hashtag for a chance to be featured! Stay connected with Cookin’ With Mima on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST for all my latest social posts, culinary inspiration, and newest recipes.

Easy Lemon & Garlic Chicken Recipe Card

This Lemon and Garlic Chicken is packed with flavor! Made in one skillet, succulent pan-fried chicken is covered in a zesty garlic and lemon sauce.

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 3 tbsps. salted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped or minced
• 4-6 cloves whole garlic (optional, for milder garlic flavor)
• 1 tbsp. salted butter
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsps. fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 whole lemon, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
• Salt, optional, to taste

Instructions

1. Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Lightly beat them with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
2. In a bowl, combine the flour, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly with the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt. Pan sear the coated chicken for about 5 minutes per side, until golden, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, loosely tented with foil.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add both the finely chopped/minced garlic and the whole garlic cloves (if using). Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze. Stir in the chopped parsley. Continue to cook for another couple of minutes.
6. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, adjusting to your preference. Simmer for about 1 minute.
7. Return the cooked chicken back to the pan, nestling it into the lemon garlic sauce. Spoon sauce over the chicken. Add some fresh lemon slices to the pan if desired. Simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to reheat and absorb the flavors.
8. Remove from heat. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• For a Parmesan-crusted variation, dip chicken in flour, then egg wash, then a Parmesan cheese mixture before searing.
• To make it healthier, omit the flour and pan sear chicken with spices only.
• If chicken browns too quickly, reduce heat to ensure it cooks through without burning.
• Add lemon zest for a more intense lemon flavor.
• For a creamy sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream when adding the broth.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, potatoes, or any steamed or roasted vegetables.
• You can blanch vegetables like broccoli or green beans and add them to the skillet with the chicken during the final simmer.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 299kcal
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 104mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Potassium: 621mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g
• Vitamin A: 1944IU
• Vitamin C: 22mg
• Calcium: 46mg
• Iron: 2mg