Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet: 20-Minute Dinner (Print Version)
Quick lemon garlic chicken skillet recipe. Enjoy tender chicken in a zesty, savory sauce, ready in just 20 minutes. A simple, flavorful weeknight meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 5 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Contemporary
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Skillet Star
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
2 tbsp olive oil
03 -
1/2 tsp salt
04 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Zesty Garlic Infusion
05 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 large lemon, zested (1 tsp) and juiced (1/4 cup)
07 -
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 tsp dried oregano
09 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
→ Sauce Thickener & Fresh Finish
10 -
1 tsp cornstarch
11 -
1 tbsp cold water
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat dry 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets, about 1/2-inch thick. Season evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. This ensures even cooking for your Lemon Garlic Chicken: 20-Minute Skillet Wonder.
02 -
Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium. Add 4 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 tsp lemon zest to the skillet. Sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in 1 tsp dried oregano and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
04 -
Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This forms the flavorful base for your Lemon Garlic Chicken: 20-Minute Skillet Wonder.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp cold water until smooth. Stir this slurry into the simmering sauce in the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
06 -
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, turning to coat it in the luscious lemon garlic sauce. Simmer for another minute to heat through. Garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for a vibrant finish to your Lemon Garlic Chicken: 20-Minute Skillet Wonder.
# Notes:
01 -
For extra tender chicken and even cooking, you can pound the chicken breasts to a uniform 1/2-inch thickness before slicing.
02 -
Elevate this dish by adding a handful of fresh spinach or asparagus spears to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
03 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
04 -
Serve this flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables to soak up all the delicious sauce.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups and spoons
05 -
Small bowl (for slurry)
06 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 353 kcal
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
Protein: 50 g