Lemon Garlic Chicken

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is bursting with flavor thanks to zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, it’s quick, healthy, and ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping ahead for guests, this dish is easy to make and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Bold Zesty Citrus Flavor – Packed with fresh lemon juice and savory garlic for a mouthwatering combo.
• Ready in Just 15 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a fast, flavorful meal.
• Family-Friendly – A dish everyone at the table will enjoy, from kids to adults.
• Simple and Satisfying – Made with everyday ingredients, but tastes like something special.
• Great for Meal Prep or Guests – Easy to prep ahead and cook quickly when it’s time to serve.

Ingredients to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

Ingredients you’ll need to make easy Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and easily absorb the lemon flavor.
• Lemon – Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest gives the chicken a pop of citrus flavor.
• Butter – Unsalted butter adds a decadent taste.
• Oil – Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil for richness.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves amp up the flavor of the chicken without being overpowering.
• Seasonings – Dry Italian seasoning, garlic salt, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.
• Liquid – Low sodium chicken stock or chicken broth adds moisture.
• Herbs – Fresh chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.

How to Make the BEST Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

• Make the Marinade – Whisk together the lemon juice, avocado oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
• Add Chicken – Use tongs to flip the chicken breasts until the chicken is completely coated.
• Chill – Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 2 hours, chilled. (Do not marinate overnight or longer than 2 hours as the marinade can make the chicken tough.)
• Melt Butter – Melt the butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
• Remove Chicken from Marinade – Once the butter has melted add the chicken to the pan.
• Cook – Brown for 4-5 minutes on each side depending on the thickness. Once the first side is browned flip and add the marinade. Heat the marinade thoroughly, basting the chicken. Cook until the juices run clear or an internal temperature of 165° F is reached.
• Chicken Broth – Remove the chicken to a platter, keep warm. Add the chicken broth to the pan, turn the meat to medium-high to deglaze scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s flavor!
• Combine – Return the chicken breasts to the pan, and baste with the sauce.
• Serve – Sprinkle the top with fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices or lemon wedges.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for Making Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast

• Large skillet for cooking the chicken.
• Shallow bowl or casserole dish for marinating the chicken.
• Large balloon whisk for making the marinade.
• Sharp knife and chopping board for the parsley and garlic
• Large spoon for basting the chicken with the sauce.
• Fresh lemon zester and juicer.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: You could make this recipe using boneless skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs will take longer to cook so use an instant read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F. 
• Heavy Cream: To transform the sauce into a thicker creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream to the chicken broth and marinade.
• Breadcrumb Coating: If you want crispy chicken you can coat the chicken first in a light dusting of all purpose flour and then into an egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven at 400°F for 30 minutes or just until the juices run clear.  You want to see an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Herbs: You could use fresh rosemary, fresh thyme or fresh tarragon in place of parsley.
• Vegetables: You may opt to add sautéed cremini mushrooms, onion or asparagus to the skillet after browning the chicken and prior to making the lemon garlic sauce.
• Cooking Options: You can cook the chicken on a grill pan inside, cast iron pan, flat skillet, gas grill or charcoal grill. If you throw them on the grill you can use a basting brush to coat them with the melted butter and oil after removing the chicken from the marinade.
• How to Serve: You can serve this tender and juicy lemon chicken with a fresh spinach salad, green beans, broccoli or zucchini, with a side of rice pilaf, mashed potatoes or lemon pasta.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover Lemon Chicken in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave, in an air fryer or on a sheet pan in a preheated 350°F oven just until heated through.
• Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Make

• Make your own Crockpot Shredded Chicken for casseroles, sandwiches, wraps and more.
• Chicken Fried Chicken and pan gravy is comfort food done right.
• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles made with chicken tenders.
• Treat the family to homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwiches.
• The kiddos will love this recipe for Easy Popcorn Chicken.
• Chicken Fried Chicken and Gravy with a side of mashed potatoes.
• Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles drizzled with maple syrup.
• Easy Oven Fried Chicken Tenders cook in no time flat.
• Decadent Honey Pecan Fried Chicken.
• Fried Chicken Cakes and remoulade sauce is a fan favorite.
• Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce from Food Network.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Skillet
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board