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Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet

The Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Skillet is a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring tender boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest. This savory dish balances zesty, buttery, and aromatic flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights or relaxing weekends. It pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, risotto, or vegetables, and can be customized to suit various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Garnishes & Extras

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to ensure they are flavorful before cooking.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside once cooked through.
  3. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping the pan to loosen browned bits. Let the sauce simmer until it slightly reduces.
  4. Finish the Dish: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Finish by sprinkling lemon zest and chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan to allow the chicken to brown properly and avoid steaming.
  • Adjust the amount of lemon juice gradually to avoid overpowering acidity.
  • Use fresh garlic instead of powder for a more intense flavor.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, butter chicken skillet, easy chicken recipe, one pan chicken, gluten free dinner, weeknight chicken