In the world of weeknight dinners, finding a recipe that is fast, incredibly flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup can feel like a search for treasure. Consider that search over. This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is the answer to your busiest days, delivering a restaurant-quality meal with everyday ingredients and just one skillet. We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure every bite is packed with zesty lemon, robust garlic, and that the chicken is unbelievably juicy.
This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a complete game-changer for your meal routine. Forget spending hours in the kitchen. From prep to plate, this entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion but simple enough for any given Tuesday. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to meal.
Why This Is the Only Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe You Need
We designed this recipe to be foolproof and fantastic. Here are the three core reasons this Lemon Garlic Chicken will become a staple in your kitchen.
All in One Pan
The true beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Every single step, from searing the chicken to creating the luscious pan sauce, happens in one skillet. This not only makes the process incredibly straightforward but also builds layers of flavor that you just can’t replicate otherwise. Cleanup is, of course, an absolute breeze.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes
We all have those nights where time is not on our side. This recipe is your secret weapon. With just 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cook time, you can have a hot, wholesome, and delicious dinner on the table faster than you could get takeout.
A Sauce You’ll Want to Drink
The magic happens after you sear the chicken. The combination of garlic, butter, chicken broth, and fresh lemon juice melds with the browned bits left in the pan, creating a silky, vibrant sauce that is simply irresistible. It perfectly coats the chicken and is amazing spooned over any side dish.
It's all about that incredible one-pan lemon garlic sauce.
The Key Ingredients
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make this spectacular dish. These simple, high-impact items are all you need.
Chicken Breasts: We use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for quick and uniform cooking.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for the best flavor. It provides the aromatic, savory backbone of the sauce.
Lemon: We use both the juice and zest to provide a multi-layered citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Butter & Olive Oil: Using both gives you the best of both worlds—the high smoke point of olive oil for a perfect sear and the rich flavor of butter for the sauce.
Chicken Broth: This creates the body of our pan sauce, helping to deglaze the skillet and capture all the delicious flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley added at the end brings a touch of fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color.
How to Make Perfect Lemon Garlic Chicken
Follow these simple steps for a flawless result every time. The key is in the technique: a good sear followed by a quick simmer in the sauce.
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This is crucial for getting a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Do not overcrowd the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
Build the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Combine and Finish: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has slightly reduced. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Look at that perfect sear! The secret to juicy chicken every time.
Pro Tips for Guaranteed Juicy Chicken
Dry chicken is a dinner-time tragedy. Follow these essential tips to ensure your Lemon Garlic Chicken is tender and juicy every time.
Don’t Skip Pounding: Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch thick) is the single most important step for even cooking. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out while you wait for the thicker parts to cook through.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The most reliable way to check for doneness is with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let It Rest: Just like a good steak, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. The lemon garlic sauce is perfect for spooning over starches or vegetables. Our favorite Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes are a perfect match. Other fantastic options include creamy mashed potatoes, simple pasta, fluffy quinoa, or steamed asparagus or broccoli.
Storing & Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce from breaking and the chicken from drying out. You can also microwave it in short bursts until warmed through.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cooking time, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to confirm they have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it is safe to eat when the temperature reads 165°F (74°C). Visually, the juices should also run clear.
This dish is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or quinoa. For a lower-carb option, serve it with steamed asparagus, broccoli, or a fresh green salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from separating.
Yes, you can make this dairy-free. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative or use extra olive oil.
More Weeknight Chicken Dinners You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this easy one-pan meal, you’re sure to love some of our other favorite chicken recipes. For another zesty option, try our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken. If you’re craving something rich and savory, our Cowboy Butter Chicken is a must-try. And for a truly decadent meal, you can’t go wrong with this Gouda Mushroom Stuffed Chicken.
The Perfect Weeknight Meal
This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe proves that you don’t need a lot of time or a complicated list of ingredients to create a truly memorable and delicious meal. It’s a dish that brings comfort and elegance to the table with unbelievable ease. We know it will become a favorite in your home. If you make it and love it, we’d be thrilled if you shared it on Pinterest!
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken is your new weeknight hero!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
FL Recipes
Lemon Garlic Chicken (The Easiest One-Pan Recipe)
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is the perfect weeknight dinner! Ready in under 30 minutes, it features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich and zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. An easy and flavorful meal.
4boneless, skinless chicken breastsabout 6 oz each, pounded to ½-inch thickness
1tspsalt
1/2tspblack pepperfreshly ground
1tbspolive oil
4tbspunsalted butter
4clovesgarlicminced
1/2cuplow-sodium chicken broth
1/4cupfresh lemon juicefrom 1-2 lemons
2tbspfresh parsleychopped, for garnish
Equipment
1 Large Skillet
1 Meat Thermometer
Method
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once it has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly. Be careful not to let it burn.
Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Increase the heat to bring the sauce to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the chicken. Let it warm through for about a minute. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 345kcalProtein: 38gFat: 19gFiber: 1g
Notes
Tip 1: For an extra layer of flavor, add the zest of one lemon to the sauce along with the juice. Tip 2: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in two batches if necessary to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust.
Keyword lemon garlic chicken,one pan chicken,weeknight dinner
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
