Get ready to change the way you think about weeknight chicken dinners with this Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe! It’s everything you want in a main dish: juicy, golden-brown chicken bathed in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes. This Mediterranean-inspired classic is loaded with flavor and freshness, yet requires only a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re looking to impress family or just treat yourself, this recipe is proof that quick and easy can also be absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of the Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role. Nothing fancy is needed—just quality staples that infuse the chicken with amazing taste, succulence, and eye-catching color.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these become wonderfully juicy with the right cooking technique; pat them dry for the best sear.
- Olive oil: Adds a hint of Mediterranean richness and helps create that irresistible golden crust.
- Unsalted butter: Divided between searing and saucing, it lends a creamy finish and rounds out the flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves bring depth and aromatic warmth that make the sauce irresistible.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that amplify every other flavor in the dish.
- Lemon juice and zest: The real stars—a burst of citrus that brightens up the chicken and makes the sauce pop.
- Chicken broth: Builds body and moisture into the sauce, making it perfect for spooning over the finished dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add just a pinch for a gentle, sneaky heat that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for color and fresh, herbal notes that tie everything together.
How to Make Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this step might seem small, but it ensures you get that lovely, golden crust. Generously season both sides with salt and black pepper. Taking a moment to really season the chicken makes a world of difference in bringing out the natural flavors.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering. Gently lay the chicken breasts in the pan and let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, undisturbed until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through. The goal is to get that perfect sear while keeping the inside moist—check for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee juicy chicken every time. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
Lower the stovetop heat to medium. Add the remaining butter to the same skillet, letting it melt and mingle with all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant (careful not to let it burn!). Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this lively sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes—it’ll reduce slightly and all the flavors will concentrate beautifully.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken (along with any juices on the plate) to the skillet and spoon the zesty, garlicky sauce over the top. Let them cook together for an extra minute to soak up those spectacular flavors. Finish by scattering fresh parsley on top, then serve immediately—your Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley goes a long way—it not only adds vibrant green color but also a refreshing herbal aroma that brightens the whole dish. For extra flair, add a few thin lemon slices or a generous twist of cracked black pepper over the chicken right before serving.
Side Dishes
Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe feels at home with fluffy rice, buttered noodles, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad. For a Mediterranean touch, think herbed couscous or lightly charred asparagus. Just make sure you have something on the plate to catch all that luscious lemon garlic sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
Dress things up by slicing the chicken before plating and drizzling sauce artfully. Stack the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or serve family-style on a platter with lots of colorful lemon wedges and parsley sprigs. This is a dish that can be as cozy or as elegant as you like—get creative!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, perfect for quick lunches or meal prep.
Freezing
This chicken freezes surprisingly well! Place cooled chicken breasts and any extra sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to three months, and label the date for easy tracking. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
To gently reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm until heated through. Microwave works in a pinch, but stovetop gives the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in the Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. They’ll be even juicier and just as flavorful—just adjust the cooking time as needed for the thicker cut.
Do I have to use fresh lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice and zest are strongly recommended for the brightest, boldest flavor in this recipe. Bottled juice can be used in a pinch, but it just can’t compete with the zing of fresh!
How spicy does the red pepper make it?
The red pepper flakes are entirely optional and add just a gentle warmth. Feel free to skip them or adjust to your preference so the Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is perfect for your spice level.
What can I use instead of parsley?
If you’re out of parsley, try fresh basil, chives, or even a sprinkle of thyme. Each will add a slightly different character to your dish while keeping things lively and herbaceous.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just check that your chicken broth and any sides you choose are gluten-free too, if that’s important for your meal.
Final Thoughts
If you love simple dinners that still feel special, you’re going to fall for the Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with extra herbs, veggies, or serving ideas; just promise you’ll give it a try soon. Enjoy every bright, garlicky bite!
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Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and quick stovetop dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a tangy lemon butter sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat, add remaining butter, sauté garlic, then add lemon juice, zest, broth, and red pepper flakes. Simmer to reduce.
- Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
