Description
Juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a bright lemon garlic pan sauce, finished with butter and fresh parsley. A cheerful, weeknight-friendly classic that tastes restaurant-special.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lb total
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set a large skillet over medium high heat and add olive oil until shimmering.
- Combine Ingredients: Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Lay chicken in the hot skillet and sear 4 to 5 minutes per side until deeply golden.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer chicken to a plate. Lower heat to medium, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up browned bits.
- Cook to Perfection: Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Simmer gently 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F and the sauce slightly reduces.
- Finishing Touches: Off heat, swirl in butter until silky. Stir in parsley and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken and serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
- Note: For extra flavor, marinate chicken 30 minutes in 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, and 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best sear and even heat.
- A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle warmth without overpowering the lemon.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, skillet chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken, lemon butter sauce, gluten free chicken