Lemon Garlic Chicken is one of those easy dinners that tastes fresh, bright, and comforting all at once. Juicy chicken breasts are pan-seared until golden, then simmered in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce that feels simple but full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that works for a quick weeknight meal, but it also looks good enough to serve when you want something a little more special. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up every bit of the sauce.
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken
This recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
- Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Lemon Garlic Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, shaking off any excess. This helps the chicken develop a golden crust and also slightly thickens the sauce later.
2. Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until nicely golden. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through at this stage. Transfer it to a plate and keep it aside.
3. Make the lemon garlic sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan because that is where a lot of flavor is hiding.
4. Finish cooking
Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over the top, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Add the final touch
Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the butter melt into the sauce for a silky finish.
6. Serve
Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken hot with spoonfuls of sauce over the top. It pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Lemon Garlic Chicken’s FAQ
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work very well in this recipe and often stay even juicier.
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Yes, you can make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the chicken stays tender.