30 min Lemon Garlic Chicken

Chicken • 30 Min • Comfort

A bright, juicy, and aromatic Lemon-Garlic Chicken that comes together quickly in one pan. Perfectly seared chicken breasts simmer in a zesty garlic-lemon sauce that tastes fresh, comforting, and restaurant-quality. Ideal for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced horizontally (or 4 small fillets)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp honey (optional, balances acidity)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Additional lemon slices (optional)

• Rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, or roasted vegetables

1. Season and prepare the chicken

Pat chicken dry. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This step builds the foundation of flavor.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken fillets and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

3. Cook the garlic

Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and stir 20–30 seconds until fragrant (avoid browning to prevent bitterness).

4. Build the lemon sauce

Add broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Scrape the browned bits at the bottom — these add deep flavor. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Return chicken to the pan

Place chicken back into the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. Add butter and allow it to melt into the sauce.
Simmer 5–7 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and chicken is fully cooked.

6. Finish & serve

Top with parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot over rice, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Large skillet or wok
• Knife and cutting board
• Micro plane or zester
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

·    Use thighs instead: Juicier and more forgiving.

• Make it creamier: Add ¼ cup cream in the final simmer.
• Make it lighter: Replace butter with extra broth.
• More lemon flavor: Add extra zest instead of extra juice to avoid sourness.
• Gluten-free: Naturally GF, no changes needed.

• Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in airtight container.
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (add fresh basil when reheating).
• Reheat: Warm in skillet with splash of water to revive sauce.

• One-pan cleanup
• Bright, fresh flavor
• Healthy, simple ingredients
• Meal-prep friendly
• Ready in under 30 minutes

You may also enjoy our Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken, try the 20 Min Mediterranean Beef Skillet, or go for a Simple Greek Lemon Potatoes.