Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken

Name: Simple Lemon Garlic Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: american
Ingredients: 600 g chicken breast (boneless, skinless, about 4 fillets); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter (unsalted); 5 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 pcs lemon (juiced, about 3 tbsp); 1 tsp lemon zest (from 1 lemon); 0.5 tsp salt; 1 pinch black pepper (freshly cracked); 2 tbsp parsley (fresh, chopped, for garnish)

RATING

0.0/5

TASTE SCORE

8/10

Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts finished with a bright, buttery lemon-garlic sauce. This one-pan dinner comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick but still feels special.

PREP

10m

COOK

20m

SERVES

100 G

376 cal

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

For 4 servings

600 gchicken breast · boneless, skinless, about 4 fillets2 tbspolive oil2 tbspbutter · unsalted5 pcsgarlic · cloves, minced1 pcslemon · juiced, about 3 tbsp1 tsplemon zest · from 1 lemon½ tspsalt1 pinchblack pepper · freshly cracked2 tbspparsley · fresh, chopped, for garnish

NUTRITION · PER SERVING

376

CALORIES · 100 G

Protein47g · 50%

Carbs3g · 3%

Fat18g · 43%

Fiber1g

Sugar1g

Saturated fat6g

Cholesterol143mg

Sodium449mg

Potassium488mg

Phosphorus331mg

How we calculate →

METHOD · 5 STEPS

prep
Season the chicken breasts.
1.Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2.Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
TIPDrying the chicken well ensures a deep golden sear instead of steaming.
fry · ~10 min
Sear the chicken until golden.
1.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2.Place the chicken breasts flat in the pan and cook without moving for 5 minutes.
3.Flip and cook the second side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5 more minutes.
4.Transfer chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
TIPDon't crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so the chicken sears instead of steams.
saute · ~2 min
Build the lemon-garlic sauce.
1.Lower the heat to medium-low and add butter to the same skillet.
2.Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
3.Pour in the lemon juice and add lemon zest. Stir and scrape up any brown bits from the pan.
4.Let the sauce bubble gently for 1 minute until slightly reduced.
TIPKeep the garlic moving — it burns fast and turns bitter.
assemble · ~1 min
Glaze the chicken in the sauce.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Spoon the lemon-garlic sauce over each fillet and let them warm through in the pan for 1 minute.
garnish
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter, pour any remaining sauce from the pan over the top, and scatter freshly chopped parsley on top.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning for the best golden crust.
2
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after searing so the juices redistribute and stay inside.
3
Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F at the thickest part instead of guessing doneness.
4
Don't overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed to keep the heat high for a proper sear.
5
Scrape up the browned bits (fond) when adding lemon juice; they add deep savory flavor to the sauce.
6
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet.

RECIPE VARIATIONS

Adapt it for your goals.

low carb / keto

Low-carb / keto

Use extra butter instead of olive oil and serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice to keep carbs minimal while still enjoying the rich lemon-garlic sauce.

dairy free

Dairy-free

Replace butter with 2 tablespoons of ghee or a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the sauce richness without dairy; the flavor remains bright and savory.

herbaceous twist