Description
Sizzling lemon chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner table. Tender chicken breasts get a bright, tangy coating that makes weeknight meals feel special without complicated steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Primary Liquid and Flavor Components:
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Supporting Ingredients:
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly dry 4 boneless chicken breasts with paper towels, then generously season both surfaces with salt and pepper.
- Warm 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and appears slightly rippled.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 4-5 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
- Transfer perfectly seared chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium and immediately add 4 minced garlic cloves, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until their aroma releases.
- Pour 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle 1 tablespoon lemon zest into the skillet, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Drop 2 tablespoons butter into the simmering sauce, swirling until completely melted and incorporated.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, then blend into the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Nestle seared chicken back into the skillet, coating each piece generously with the bright, lemony sauce.
- Allow chicken to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, then scatter 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley across the top.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with thin lemon slices for extra visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked spots.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help create a beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in moisture.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor in the sauce, avoiding bottled versions if possible.
- If reducing carbs, skip the cornstarch thickener and let the sauce reduce naturally for a lighter, more delicate consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 243 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg