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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked with fragrant garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, and a rich buttery sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this recipe balances tangy citrus, aromatic garlic, and smooth butter to create a flavorful, moist chicken dish that is simple to make and versatile to customize.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 34 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Vegetables like asparagus, spinach, or cherry tomatoes (optional additions)
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (optional for spice)
  • Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil (optional for herb infusion)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance their natural flavor and get ready for searing.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until each side is golden brown, sealing in the juices.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant, infusing the sauce with savory flavor.
  4. Add Lemon and Finish Cooking: Pour in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest into the skillet. Cover the pan and let the chicken simmer gently until cooked through and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a fresh, colorful finish. Spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the chicken when plating for maximum flavor.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and juicier results.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow proper browning instead of steaming.
  • Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a bright, fresh flavor.
  • Add garlic only after searing the chicken to avoid bitter burnt garlic.
  • Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter chicken, easy chicken skillet, quick chicken dinner, one pan chicken, garlic butter chicken breast