Chicken Dinner

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Juicy pan seared lemon garlic chicken with a light savory sauce that comes together in minutes and feels totally restaurant quality at home.

The moment this lemon garlic chicken hits the pan, you get that sissy sound of garlic and lemon zest waking up, and the kitchen starts to smell like a sunny Mediterranean terrace.

This is the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something bright and tender without spending hours in the kitchen, and it pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or a simple green salad.

I first made this on a rushed Tuesday and was shocked at how a squeeze of lemon and a shower of garlic could turn a plain chicken breast into something I proudly plated and photographed.

Recipe at a Glance

⏱Prep Time10 mins

🔥Cook Time15 mins

🕐Total Time25 mins

🍰Servings4 servings

🇺🇸CuisineAmerican

🔢Calories~280 per serving

Ingredients

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into tender pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1/2 cup chicken broth

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Substitutions & Variations

★Use bone in chicken thighs for deeper flavor and extra juiciness if you prefer dark meat.

★Replace fresh lemon juice with 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice in a pinch.

★Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian friendly.

★Use gluten free flour or omit the cornstarch if you need a gluten free version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Prep the chicken and season

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then season evenly with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps the seasoning from sliding off.

2

Sear the garlic

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.

3

Brown the chicken

Increase the heat to medium high, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, and cook without moving them for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

4

Add lemon zest and juice

Stir in the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice, letting the liquid bubble for about a minute to lift the bright citrus aroma.

5

Deglaze with chicken broth

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits, then let the sauce reduce for 2 to 3 minutes.

6

Thicken the sauce

Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the pan, stir constantly, and cook until the sauce turns glossy and coats the back of a spoon, about 1 to 2 minutes.

7

Finish with butter

Turn off the heat and stir in the cubed butter until melted and the sauce looks silky.

8

Toss and rest

Return the chicken to the skillet for just a minute to warm through, taste, and adjust seasoning with a little more salt or lemon if needed.

9

Plate and garnish

Divide the lemon garlic chicken among plates, spoon over extra sauce, and scatter with freshly chopped parsley for color.

10

Serve immediately

Enjoy right away with rice, pasta, or a crisp salad while the sauce is glossy and the chicken is juicy.

Pro Baker Tips

✓Do not skip drying the chicken; surface moisture is the enemy of a good sear.

✓If you like a milder garlic hit, brown the garlic for 15 seconds instead of 30.

✓Slice the chicken against the grain for extra tenderness.

✓Keep the heat at medium high so the sauce reduces quickly without burning.

Storage & Serving Notes

◆Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

◆Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until piping hot before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this bright lemon garlic chicken over fluffy rice or pasta for a restaurant worthy dinner at home.

›Steamed rice or your favorite pasta

›A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette

›Roasted vegetables for a complete plate

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the oven instead of on the stovetop

Yes, sear the chicken in a skillet first for flavor, then transfer to a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through, and finish with the lemon garlic sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is done

The chicken is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part and is no longer pink inside.

Can I make this spicy

Yes, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper while cooking for a gentle kick.

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Go Make It!

This lemon garlic chicken shows how a few simple, bright ingredients can turn an everyday weeknight meal into a restaurant worthy dinner you will want to make again and again.