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Lemon Chicken Skillet

Lemon Chicken Skillet

Lemon Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan dinner bursting with fresh, bright lemon flavor, tender chicken breasts, and aromatic herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a healthy, flavorful, and fuss-free meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)

Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine

Finishing Touches

  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or a combination), chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of lemon zest to infuse bright flavor right from the start.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth or white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Simmer Together: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the lemon sauce over them. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the skillet for a burst of herbal aroma and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary to maintain a good sear.
  • Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant flavor.
  • Check chicken internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, quick dinner, one-pan meal, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner, easy chicken skillet