If you’re after a fuss-free dinner that packs bold flavor and juicy tenderness in every bite, this Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken is your weeknight hero. With golden seared chicken breasts, a zesty lemon-garlic pan sauce, and fragrant herbs, it’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly in just one skillet.

The brightness of fresh lemon pairs perfectly with the warmth of garlic, creating a balanced and comforting dish that works for any season. Whether served over pasta, rice, or with roasted veggies, this chicken becomes the centerpiece of a satisfying and wholesome dinner.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb the lemon-garlic marinade beautifully. However, you could easily swap in boneless thighs for a juicier texture or even bone-in pieces if you adjust the cooking time.

Ingredients for the Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken Breasts: The main protein and star of the dish, lean and high in protein.

Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the sauce. Freshly minced garlic makes a huge difference.

Lemon Juice and Zest: Brightens the dish and enhances the flavor of the chicken with citrus tang.

Olive Oil: Used for both marinating and pan-searing, giving the chicken a crisp golden finish.

Italian Seasoning: Brings herbal notes to the marinade, complementing the lemon and garlic.

Butter: Enriches the pan sauce with a silky, glossy texture.

Chicken Broth: Helps create a savory sauce that binds all the flavors together.

Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that make all other ingredients pop.

Fresh Parsley: Optional but adds a pop of green and freshness when sprinkled on top.

How To Make the Lemon Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound them lightly for even thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden on each side (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat and add a bit more olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it brown).

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Add chicken back into the skillet. Spoon some sauce over the top. Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and juicy.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

Turn off heat, add butter to melt into the sauce, and sprinkle fresh parsley before serving.

Serving and Storing Your Lemon Garlic Chicken

This dish is best served hot straight from the skillet, drizzled generously with its lemon-garlic sauce. You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken?

Roasted Vegetables

Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus to round out a healthy meal.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the lemony sauce beautifully.

Buttered Noodles

Simple egg noodles tossed with butter are a great base to let the chicken shine.

Rice Pilaf

A fluffy rice pilaf with herbs is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.

Crusty Bread

Serve with toasted baguette slices or rustic bread to mop up the pan juices.

Fresh Garden Salad

Add a refreshing crunch with a cucumber-tomato salad and vinaigrette.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If this Lemon Garlic Chicken has you craving more easy and satisfying meals, check these out next:

Crispy Chicken Fried Chicken for a southern-style crunch.
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Gravy when you want set-it-and-forget-it comfort.
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken with rich, cheesy flavor.
White Cheddar Chicken Pasta for a creamy and cozy one-pot meal.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan when you’re craving Italian comfort.

Save This Pin For Later

Pin this zesty chicken recipe to your go-to dinner board so it’s right at your fingertips when cravings strike again.

Tried it with your own spin? Maybe with rosemary or a spicy chili twist? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your version in the comments!

Looking for more weeknight wins? Follow along with my latest creations on Savor Queen’s Pinterest.

Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Need an easy dinner idea that tastes like it came straight from a bistro kitchen? This Lemon Garlic Chicken is golden, juicy, and bursting with zesty flavor. Perfect for quick dinners, this one-skillet recipe features lean chicken breasts simmered in a rich lemon-garlic sauce with herbs and butter. It’s quick to cook and pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies. Whether you’re hunting for easy dinner ideas, weeknight food inspiration, or healthy meal options—this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and pound slightly for even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

3. Lower heat and add more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over top and cover. Simmer on low for 6-8 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.

6. Turn off heat, stir in butter until melted, and sprinkle parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.

Fresh lemon juice is key—bottled won’t give the same brightness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 290
Sugar: 0.7g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: easy recipe, healthy chicken, lemon chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meal