Lemon-Garlic Chicken
Tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown, then bathed in a vibrant, zesty sauce of fresh lemon juice and pungent garlic. A quick, healthy, and flavorful main course that's naturally low in sodium and ready in under 20 minutes.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the chicken
- b.Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.
- c.Season both sides of the chicken with the black pepper and the small pinch of salt.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sear the chicken
- b.Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- c.Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, until golden brown and cooked mostly through. Do not move them around.
- e.Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the other side, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- f.Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Make the lemon-garlic sauce
- b.Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet.
- c.Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
- d.Pour in the fresh lemon juice and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- e.Let the sauce simmer for 1 minute.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Finish and serve
- b.Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- d.Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, you can add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to the pan sauce.
- 2Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- 3Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to get a perfect golden-brown sear.
- 4Fresh lemon juice is key for the best flavor. Bottled juice can have a bitter aftertaste.
- 5Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthy
Serve with a large side of steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad to increase the vegetable content.
quickQuick
Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets which cook in just 2-3 minutes per side.
dairy freeDairy free
Replace the unsalted butter with an additional tablespoon of olive oil or a dairy-free butter substitute.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy
This recipe is very low in sodium and uses heart-healthy olive oil, making it a great option for maintaining good cardiovascular health.
Rich in Vitamin C
Fresh lemon juice provides a good dose of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system and skin health.
Boosts Flavor Without Salt
Using potent natural flavors like garlic, lemon, and black pepper provides a delicious taste without relying on high amounts of sodium.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version is very healthy. It's high in lean protein, low in saturated fat, and specifically designed to be low in sodium, making it a great choice for a heart-healthy diet.