Print

Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe

quick lemon garlic chicken breast - featured image

A fast and flavorful lemon garlic chicken breast recipe ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights and simple dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz or 170g each)
  • 3 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat each chicken breast dry with paper towels (about 2 minutes).
  2. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper (about 1 minute). Let rest on the counter.
  3. Finely mince 3 garlic cloves and zest the lemon, avoiding the white pith (about 3 minutes). Set aside.
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 2 minutes).
  5. Place chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. Sear for 5 minutes on the first side without moving to form a golden crust.
  6. Flip the chicken breasts and immediately add the minced garlic around the chicken in the pan (about 1 minute). Stir gently to avoid burning.
  7. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the chicken and add 1 tablespoon of butter if using (about 1 minute).
  8. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, spooning the sauce over the chicken occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or juices run clear.
  9. Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 3 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Dry chicken breasts thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear. Add garlic only after flipping the chicken to prevent burning. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, omit butter or use a plant-based alternative. Pound thick chicken breasts for even cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, chicken breast, garlic chicken, lemon chicken