Lemon Chicken
This Lemon Chicken recipe delivers a bright, fresh, and flavorful dinner that is quick and easy to make. Featuring tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon sauce with garlic and fresh herbs, it’s a wholesome and family-friendly meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Citrus
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
Seasonings and Flavorings
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped, for garnish
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemon, mince the garlic, and trim the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly. Having everything ready at hand makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Lemon Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté briefly until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken and intensify the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the lemon sauce over the top and cook together for another 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Keep the heat medium when making the sauce to avoid burning the garlic.
- Taste and adjust the sauce acidity by balancing lemon juice and broth to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, easy dinner, quick chicken recipe, gluten free chicken, citrus chicken, weeknight meals