Golden, juicy chicken coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce is the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more flavor as every ingredient builds on the last. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for family, this recipe delivers tender chicken with a bright, buttery sauce that’s hard to resist.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If they are very thick, pound them slightly or slice them in half for faster cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil helps create a beautiful golden crust while preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan. It also adds a light savory flavor.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter creates the rich base for the sauce and gives it a smooth finish. Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor. Mince it finely so it cooks quickly and blends evenly into the butter.
• 1 large lemon (juice and zest) – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, while the zest adds extra citrus aroma. Fresh lemon always gives the best flavor.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Chicken broth helps create the sauce and lifts the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. It also keeps the sauce light without losing flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This herb blend adds extra depth and complements both the garlic and lemon. It gives the sauce a balanced, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt seasons the chicken and enhances all the other flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.½
• teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds a mild kick and balances the richness of the butter. Freshly ground pepper works best.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh parsley adds color and freshness before serving. It also complements the lemon garlic sauce perfectly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy for this recipe.

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional)
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast

Golden, juicy chicken coated in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce is the kind of meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more flavor as every ingredient builds on the last. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for family, this recipe delivers tender chicken with a bright, buttery sauce that’s hard to resist.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup.
• Juicy chicken with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Made with simple pantry staples.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
• Easy to pair with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

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Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If they are very thick, pound them slightly or slice them in half for faster cooking.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Olive oil helps create a beautiful golden crust while preventing the chicken from sticking to the pan. It also adds a light savory flavor.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – Butter creates the rich base for the sauce and gives it a smooth finish. Using unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning.
• 5 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce its signature flavor. Mince it finely so it cooks quickly and blends evenly into the butter.
• 1 large lemon (juice and zest) – Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce, while the zest adds extra citrus aroma. Fresh lemon always gives the best flavor.
• ½ cup chicken broth – Chicken broth helps create the sauce and lifts the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. It also keeps the sauce light without losing flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – This herb blend adds extra depth and complements both the garlic and lemon. It gives the sauce a balanced, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Salt seasons the chicken and enhances all the other flavors. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Black pepper adds a mild kick and balances the richness of the butter. Freshly ground pepper works best.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh parsley adds color and freshness before serving. It also complements the lemon garlic sauce perfectly.

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Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with the salt and black pepper. Drying the chicken first helps it develop a golden crust instead of steaming while it cooks.

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Step 2: Sear the chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.

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Step 3: Make the lemon garlic sauce

Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly reduced.

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Step 4: Finish the dish

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic sauce over them several times. Let the chicken cook in the sauce for another 1 to 2 minutes so it absorbs the flavor, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

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Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Chicken

Use fresh lemon

Fresh lemon juice and zest give the sauce a brighter, fresher flavor than bottled juice. It makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.

Don’t overcook the chicken

Chicken breast cooks quickly and can dry out if left on the heat too long. A meat thermometer is the easiest way to make sure it’s perfectly cooked.

Cook the garlic gently

Garlic only needs about 30 seconds to become fragrant. Cooking it too long can make it bitter and overpower the sauce.

Let the chicken rest

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices stay inside the meat. This simple step helps keep every bite tender and juicy.

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Variations

Make it creamy

Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream after adding the chicken broth for a rich and creamy lemon garlic sauce.

Add vegetables

Spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, green beans, or cherry tomatoes can all be cooked in the same skillet for a complete meal.

Add some heat

Sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little spice.

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What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken

This chicken pairs well with many simple side dishes, including:

• Mashed potatoes
• Buttered pasta
• Steamed rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Green beans
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Caesar salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted vegetables

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Storage Tips

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or a small piece of butter to keep it moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and usually stay even juicier than chicken breasts.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This recipe reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during the week.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended because it has a brighter flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used if that’s what you have on hand.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on packaged seasonings and broth if needed.

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Final Thoughts

Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast is proof that a simple dinner can still be full of flavor. The juicy chicken, buttery garlic sauce, and fresh lemon come together in one skillet to create a meal that’s both comforting and refreshing. Once you try it, it’s likely to become one of those recipes you make again and again because it’s quick, reliable, and always satisfying.

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Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American
• Calories: Approximately 340 per serving

This recipe is structured to prioritize reader intent, practical guidance, and clarity while avoiding unnecessary filler, following the strategy in your uploaded guide.