Description
This Quick Lemon Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and easy-to-make chicken dish perfect for a busy weeknight. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are seasoned and seared until golden brown, then simmered in a zesty lemon, garlic, and buttery sauce that perfectly balances tangy and sweet flavors. Garnished with fresh parsley, this one-pan meal pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a satisfying and wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor throughout the meat.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits. Stir in unsalted butter and honey and allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Return Chicken & Finish Cooking: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the lemon sauce over them. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to warm the chicken through and infuse it with the sauce flavors.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately along with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the citrus notes.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
- Adjust the amount of honey to balance the tartness of the lemon according to your taste preferences.
