This one-pan lemon garlic chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Using fresh lemon juice and garlic, the chicken turns out juicy and flavorful with minimal cleanup thanks to cooking it all in one pan.
The recipe serves four and includes fully cooked chicken breasts safe to eat at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cooking the chicken breasts in one pan saves time on prep and cleanup, making it ideal for busy families.
- Lemon juice adds bright acidity that complements the savory garlic and chicken, resulting in well-balanced flavors.
- Pan-searing the chicken before simmering ensures a great golden crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
A simple and delicious one-pan lemon garlic chicken recipe perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts cooked with garlic and fresh lemon juice make this an easy and flavorful meal for four.
- Prep time
- 10 minutes
- Cook time
- 25 minutes
- Servings
- 4
- Yield
- 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170 g each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (120 ml)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Sear the chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on one side, about 5 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and liquids Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer until cooked through Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Serve Remove chicken breasts from the pan and spoon the lemon garlic sauce over them. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- If you don't have fresh lemons, substitute with 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complete the meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time to ensure thighs reach 165°F internal temperature.
What side dishes go well with lemon garlic chicken?
Steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad all pair nicely with this chicken.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe contains no dairy ingredients and is naturally dairy-free.
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