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Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet
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A quick and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet recipe featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed in a vibrant lemon and garlic sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a healthy, satisfying weeknight dinner and pairs well with a variety of sides.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

  • 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This locks in the juices and creates a delicious crust when cooked.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, then add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden—be careful not to burn it.
  4. Make the Lemon Sauce: Pour in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a light, tangy sauce.
  5. Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic sauce over the meat. Sprinkle in dried herbs like thyme or parsley, cover, and let everything cook together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the citrusy flavors.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken well: Moisture on the surface prevents proper browning, so pat chicken dry before seasoning.
  • Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers a brighter, more robust flavor than pre-minced alternatives.
  • Simmer gently: Avoid boiling the lemon sauce to keep it silky and prevent bitterness from the lemon zest.
  • Let it rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest a few minutes to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Adjust acidity: Taste the sauce before serving and add a touch of honey or a pinch of sugar if the lemon is too sharp.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, quick chicken recipes, healthy chicken dinner, skillet chicken, gluten-free chicken dish, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/lemon-garlic-chicken-skillet/