If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that’s both comforting and refreshingly zesty, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. This dish pairs tender, golden-browned chicken breasts with a buttery, citrusy sauce that’s kissed with just the right amount of garlic. It’s that rare recipe that checks all the boxes: easy enough for a weeknight, dazzling enough for company, and always the first skillet licked clean. Nothing beats the feeling when bright lemon and savory garlic come together in one beautiful, flavor-packed bite!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe is that absolutely every ingredient is a star. While simple, each element adds its own special note: juiciness, brightness, depth, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need and how each one plays a role.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for super easy prep and quick, even cooking.
Olive Oil: The best base for searing, giving the chicken a golden, lightly crisp exterior.
Garlic: Three cloves means big, bold flavor that’s never overwhelming—just a gorgeous punch.
Lemon (juice & zest): The zest perfumes the sauce while the juice brings a bright tang that absolutely lifts the whole dish.
Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth and forms the backbone of that silky, lemony sauce.
Dried Oregano: A Mediterranean staple that brings warm, herby aroma—you’ll notice if you skip it!
Paprika: Helps season the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle, earthy warmth and lovely color.
Salt & Black Pepper: Classic flavor builders—don’t be shy, season to bring out the best in everything else.
Unsalted Butter: Whisked into the sauce at the end for richness and a pretty, glossy finish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley goes on at the very end for a burst of freshness and vibrant green color.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this is key for getting that delicious golden crust. Sprinkle both sides with the oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Taking a moment with this step makes all the difference; it sets the stage for every bite to be herby and perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. When the oil shimmers, add in the chicken. Sear each breast for 4 to 5 minutes per side, resisting the urge to move them too soon—this is how you build up all that gorgeous color and flavor. Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally, transfer it to a plate and keep it cozy while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Sizzle the Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium and gently stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just one minute, stirring constantly; you want the garlic to turn fragrant and golden but not browned or bitter. The aroma at this point is absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Create the Zesty Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the lemon juice and zest. Scrape up any golden bits from the pan—these are pure flavor gold! Let the mixture simmer for three minutes so it slightly reduces and becomes even more aromatic.

Step 5: Finish with Butter

With the sauce gently bubbling, whisk in the butter until it melts and the sauce turns glossy. This helps bring everything together and gives the sauce its silky, spoon-coating texture.

Step 6: Return Chicken & Serve

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and ladle that glorious sauce over each piece. Spoon over any extra sauce, top generously with the chopped parsley, and serve your Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe hot and fresh off the stove!

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe quite like a shower of fresh parsley and a few extra lemon slices. A sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving really amps up the aroma and gives your dish that just-from-the-garden look.

Side Dishes

Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a tangle of al dente pasta to soak up every drop of that luscious lemon-garlic sauce. I’m also a fan of serving it with a simple green salad dressed with a lemony vinaigrette—so fresh!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe into an elegant dinner by slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of quinoa or risotto, then drizzle with the sauce. For a fun twist, pile slices onto a toasted baguette as an open-face sandwich with baby greens, or tuck into a wrap with arugula for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container with the sauce spooned over the top. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and actually gets more flavorful as it sits!

Freezing

This dish freezes really well—just pack the chicken and sauce together in freezer-safe containers. Be sure to let everything cool completely before freezing. It’ll keep for up to two months, and makes a fantastic meal-prep option.

Reheating

Reheat your Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe gently on the stove, simmering in its sauce over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce and keep everything super juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy alternative and work perfectly in this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. Just adjust the cook time a bit since thighs may need slightly longer to cook through.

Is there a dairy-free way to make the sauce?

Yes—you can swap the unsalted butter for a plant-based butter or even more olive oil. The sauce will remain silky and flavorful without missing a beat.

What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

Bottled lemon juice can stand in during a pinch, but you’ll miss the bright flavor from the zest, which is essential in this Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe. If at all possible, reach for the real thing!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can marinate the chicken for up to a day ahead or cook the dish and reheat gently before serving. It’s just as delicious the next day, making meal planning a breeze.

Does the chicken need to be marinated?

Marinating is optional, but it does boost the flavor even more. Even a quick 30-minute soak in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil before you start adds an extra layer of tenderness and lemony goodness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe that’s bursting with freshness, simplicity, and flavor. If you’re looking for a meal that’s sure to wow, this is the one—I hope you’ll give it a try and love it as much as my family does!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

3 cloves garlic, minced
juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts and season with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: Cook garlic, add lemon juice, zest, chicken broth, and simmer. Whisk in butter until sauce thickens.
Finish the Dish: Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.
For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Pan-Seared
Cuisine: Mediterranean, American