Description
Crispy, golden chicken paired with a velvety lemon garlic butter sauce—Lemon Chicken Delight is your new go-to for a quick dinner or easy recipe that feels fancy but takes less than 30 minutes. This healthy dinner idea brings bright citrus flavor, juicy chicken, and fresh herbs together in one irresistible pan. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, or a delicious, quick dinner to impress, this dish checks every box.
Ingredients
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves minced
0.5 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional)
salt to taste
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
lemon wedges (for serving, optional)
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts between parchment sheets and pound evenly to ½ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Dredge the seasoned chicken in flour, shaking off excess.
3. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.
4. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Add garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, and optional red pepper flakes. Scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Stir in heavy cream (if using) and simmer for 1 minute.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the best flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken—165°F internal temp is perfect.
Deglaze the pan thoroughly for a deeper, richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: lemon chicken, easy dinner, chicken recipe, lemon garlic chicken, quick weeknight dinner