Description
Bursting with fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and tender, juicy chicken, this Easy & Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. It’s packed with protein, low in carbs, and takes only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This quick dinner idea is also gluten-free, making it a healthy and satisfying option. Whether you’re searching for easy dinner recipes, healthy meals, or quick chicken recipes, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Pound them to even thickness if needed.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Add lemon juice and zest to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Stir in the butter until melted for a richer sauce.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor—bottled just doesn’t compare.
Don’t skip resting the chicken before slicing; it helps retain juiciness.
The sauce thickens slightly as it cools, so let it sit a minute before serving if you want a richer consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, lemon garlic chicken, healthy dinner ideas