Description
This 30-Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet is a fresh, zesty, and quick dinner perfect for weeknights. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared with garlic and simmered in a vibrant lemon-butter sauce—served with your favorite veggies or over rice for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
▢ 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
▢ Salt and black pepper, to taste
▢ 2 tablespoons olive oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic, minced
▢ 1/2 cup chicken broth
▢ 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
▢ 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
▢ 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
▢ Optional garnish: chopped parsley, lemon slices
Instructions
1. Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets (or pound to even thickness). Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in butter and oregano. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 more minutes.
6. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer 1–2 minutes to reheat.
7. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Notes
You can substitute boneless thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
To make it dairy-free, use olive oil or plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
Serve leftovers sliced over a salad or tucked into wraps for a quick lunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg