If you are craving a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate, this Lemon Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a bright and tangy lemon sauce that’s rich with buttery garlic goodness. The quick 20-minute preparation means you get a satisfying, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you want something that feels both fresh and comforting, this Lemon Chicken Recipe never fails to delight the taste buds and impress family or friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are incredibly straightforward but work magic together to create a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a vital role in turning simple chicken into a refreshing yet indulgent main course.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish providing lean protein and a perfect canvas for the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken to a lovely golden brown while adding subtle fruitiness.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Builds a savory base for the lemon sauce, enhancing depth and moisture.
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Brings vibrant acidity and brightness that makes this Lemon Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, silky texture to the sauce and balances the tang.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Offers a fresh, herbal finish and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it needs to be hot enough to create a golden crust. While the oil heats, season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them carefully in the skillet and cook each side for 6 to 7 minutes until they are beautifully golden and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside, keeping all those tasty juices in the pan for the sauce.

Step 2: Build the Lemon Sauce

In the same skillet, add the butter and let it melt gently. Then toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until you smell that wonderful, fragrant aroma. This step unlocks so much flavor that makes the sauce unforgettable.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Lemon Juice

Pour in the chicken broth along with the fresh lemon juice. These two ingredients combine to create a tangy, flavorful liquid that will simmer and reduce. Let it come to a gentle simmer so that the flavors mingle beautifully and the sauce starts to thicken just enough to coat the chicken later.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some of the sauce over them. Let them cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to cling to the meat and absorb every bit of that lemon-garlic goodness. This final step is where the magic happens and your Lemon Chicken Recipe truly comes together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the chicken just before serving. Not only does it add a burst of color, but it also contributes a fresh note that complements the lemon perfectly.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A handful of chopped fresh parsley is the classic topper for this dish. For extra flair, try adding thin lemon slices or a sprinkle of lemon zest. These simple garnishes brighten the plate and enhance the fresh citrus character of the meal.

Side Dishes

The tangy, buttery sauce of this Lemon Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple pasta tossed in olive oil. For a green touch, steamed asparagus or sautéed green beans provide a crisp texture and subtle bitterness that balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual yet elegant presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter with sauce generously spooned over the top, garnished with parsley and lemon slices. To impress guests, plate each breast individually, penne pasta nestled beside it with sauce drizzled artistically. A bed of mixed greens under the chicken also adds color and freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lemon Chicken Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The sauce helps maintain moisture, so you don’t have to worry about the chicken drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save leftovers for longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken over low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. Microwave reheating is fine too, just cover the dish to avoid drying out and heat in short intervals.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, and you might need to adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can be thicker or thinner than breasts.

Is it important to use fresh lemon juice?

Yes, fresh lemon juice offers the brightest and most natural flavor, which really makes this Lemon Chicken Recipe shine. Bottled lemon juice is an option but can taste less vibrant.

Can I prepare this recipe without garlic?

You can, but garlic plays a key role in the flavor profile. If you must skip it, consider substituting with a pinch of garlic powder or a mild onion for some depth.

What’s the best way to get a nice sear on the chicken?

Make sure your skillet and oil are hot before adding the chicken, and avoid moving it around too much during searing. This helps create that beautiful golden crust so important for texture and flavor.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes! If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer uncovered to reduce, or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) just before returning the chicken to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a go-to whenever you want something bright, comforting, and downright delicious with minimal fuss. The beautiful balance of lemon, butter, and garlic elevates simple chicken breasts to a real crowd-pleaser. I hope you try it soon and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table!

Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 212 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and flavorful Lemon Chicken recipe featuring tender, golden seared chicken breasts in a tangy lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned.
Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer to develop the sauce.
Return Chicken and Thicken Sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken and coat the chicken nicely.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately for a bright, refreshing meal.