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Best Lemon Chicken Skillet – Easy 20-Minute Dinner Recipe

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This best lemon chicken skillet is a quick and easy dinner recipe that comes together in under 20 minutes. With simple ingredients like chicken breasts, lemons, garlic, and butter, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 large lemons
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken (5 minutes): Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about ½ inch (1.25 cm). Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess. Set aside.
  2. Zest and Juice the Lemons (2 minutes): Zest one lemon using a microplane. Juice both lemons into a small bowl (about ¼ cup/60ml). Set zest aside.
  3. Heat the Skillet (2 minutes): Place a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter. Swirl until butter is melted and foamy.
  4. Sear the Chicken (6-8 minutes): Place flour-dusted chicken in hot skillet. Cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  5. Make the Pan Sauce (3 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from pan bottom.
  6. Finish the Sauce (2 minutes): Let sauce simmer 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced and thickened. Stir in lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Combine and Serve (1 minute): Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over top. Warm through about 30 seconds. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, pat chicken dry before seasoning. Don’t skip the flour dredge—it creates a golden crust. Let the pan get hot before adding chicken. Don’t move the chicken while searing; it will release naturally when ready. Scrape browned bits from pan when making sauce for maximum flavor. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour or cornstarch. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, skillet chicken, easy dinner, 20-minute meal, chicken breast recipe, lemon butter sauce, weeknight dinner, dinner party recipe

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-lemon-chicken-skillet-easy-20-minute-dinner-recipe/