Simple Lemon-Herb Skillet Chicken
This simple lemon-herb skillet chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It features tender chicken cooked in a flavorful lemon and herb sauce.
Equipment
- skillet
- paper towels
- wooden spoon
- foil
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), or 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil for searing
- 2 cloves Garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder for simplicity)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth low sodium is a good choice
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed is best
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dried Herbs Italian seasoning or a mix of dried oregano and thyme
- Salt and Black Pepper To taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or chives chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs on both sides.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
- Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Return the seared chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and warm through for one minute. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken reaches 165°F/74°C internal temperature for safety. Low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt content. Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a big difference in flavor.