Go Back

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

This dish involves pan-searing chicken breasts until golden brown, then infusing them with fresh lemon zest and fragrant garlic in the skillet. The chicken develops a tender interior with a crispy exterior, complemented by the bright, citrusy sauce coating each piece with a glossy finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 330
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces skinless, boneless chicken breasts
  • 2 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Lemon zester or microplane
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just about to smoke.
  3. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet, presentation side down first, and cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Flip the chicken using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the other side is also golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, with a gentle sizzle and aroma filling the kitchen.
  6. Zest the lemon directly into the skillet, stirring briefly to release the bright citrus aroma and combine with garlic.
  7. Juice the lemon and pour the fresh lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom for flavor.
  8. Let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes until it slightly thickens and coats the chicken pieces with a glossy, citrusy glaze.
  9. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for a burst of color and freshness.
  10. Transfer the chicken to serving plates, spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the top, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For extra brightness, add a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving. This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or rice.