Name: Lemon Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lemon (juice and zest); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme (chopped)

Description

This Lemon Chicken Skillet recipe is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, then simmered in a tangy lemon and garlic sauce. Fresh herbs add a bright finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both simple to prepare and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

1 lemon (juice and zest)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme (chopped)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the lemon juice and zest. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds rich flavor to the sauce.
Combine and Simmer: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-5 minutes to soak up the tangy lemon flavors.
Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the chicken to add a vibrant color and fresh herbal aroma that brighten the dish.

Notes

For extra zest, add a little lemon zest to the chicken before searing.
Use bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, but increase cooking time accordingly.
You can substitute fresh herbs with 1 teaspoon of dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.
Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice for a complete meal.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.