Description
Lemon Garlic Chicken is a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and herbs. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s versatile, quick, and cost-effective.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/3 cup)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and oregano.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp oil, and sear chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and 165°F internal temp. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to low and pour lemon-garlic mixture into skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and heat through for 1 minute.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Avoid using a cold skillet; preheat for a good sear.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
Be careful not to burn garlic; add sauce to a cooled pan.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
Optional swaps: chicken thighs, shrimp, or firm white fish.
Herb alternatives: thyme, rosemary, Italian seasoning.
Creamy version: stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half.
Buttery finish: add 2 tbsp cold butter off heat for a silky sauce.
Oven method: bake in oven-safe skillet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Healthy
- Method: Skillet, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg