Description
This Lemon Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful lemon and garlic butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare, perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner, and garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, zesty finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Finish chicken: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken, allowing it to thicken slightly and coat the meat.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter flavor.
- Chicken breasts should be pounded to even thickness if required for uniform cooking.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
