Print

Lemon Chicken Skillet

Lemon Chicken Skillet
Print Recipe

A quick and easy one-pan Lemon Chicken Skillet bursting with bright, zesty lemon flavor, savory herbs, and tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this fresh and comforting dish comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Liquids & Fats

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine

Seasonings & Aromatics

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or thyme

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season Your Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using to build flavor and create a delicious crust.
  2. Sear the Chicken in the Skillet: Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. This seals in juices and forms a tasty crust.
  3. Add Aromatics and Liquids: Reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic, stirring briefly. Pour in fresh lemon juice and chicken broth or white wine, scraping up browned bits from the pan to enrich the sauce.
  4. Simmer Until Cooked Through: Lower heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer in the lemony sauce for 8-10 minutes or until fully cooked and tender.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve: Turn off heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the dish, and garnish with lemon slices if desired to add a fresh herbal note and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Pat dry before cooking to ensure better searing and flavorful crust.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for brightness; bottled juice lacks fresh flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed for even searing.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
  • Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity without overpowering.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/lemon-chicken-skillet/