Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe – Fresh, Juicy, and Easy to Make

Lemon garlic chicken is a bright and flavorful dish that’s loved by many.

It’s juicy, full of zesty lemon taste, and has just the right amount of garlic to make it smell and taste amazing.

This recipe is simple, fresh, and perfect for dinner on a busy day or even for a family meal on the weekend.

The best part is how easy it is to make.

You don’t need any hard-to-find ingredients or special cooking skills.

With a few items from your kitchen and just one pan, you can cook a meal that tastes like something from a restaurant.

Lemon garlic chicken also goes well with many sides—rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even a simple salad.

Let’s begin with what you’ll need to make this tasty dish.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (grated lemon peel)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by getting your chicken ready.

If the chicken breasts are thick, you can gently pound them using a rolling pin or a flat surface to make them even in size.

This helps them cook faster and evenly.

Now season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and the dried herbs.

You can use your hands or a spoon to spread the seasoning so it sticks well.

Let it sit for a few minutes while you get your pan ready.

Step 2: Heat the Pan and Cook the Chicken

Place a large pan or skillet on the stove and turn the heat to medium.

Add the olive oil.

Once the oil is warm, gently place the chicken in the pan.

Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on one side without moving it around too much.

This helps it get a nice golden color.

Flip the chicken over and cook the other side for another 4 to 5 minutes.

If the pieces are thick, you can lower the heat slightly and cover the pan to help them cook all the way through.

The chicken should be fully cooked, juicy, and lightly browned on the outside.

Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a plate.

You’ll add it back later after making the lemon garlic sauce.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Now it’s time to make the delicious sauce.

In the same pan, add the butter (if using) and let it melt.

Add the minced garlic and stir it around for about 30 seconds.

Be careful not to burn it. You just want it to get soft and smell great.

Next, pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest.

Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for a minute or two.

It should bubble gently and smell fresh and tangy.

This sauce is simple, but it’s what gives the chicken its signature lemony garlic flavor.

Step 4: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Once your sauce is ready, add the chicken back into the pan.

Let it simmer in the sauce for about 3 to 4 more minutes.

This helps the chicken soak up all the flavor and stay moist.

Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken as it cooks.

You can even add a splash of water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

The chicken should be nicely coated with the lemon garlic sauce by the end.

Step 5: Garnish and Rest

When the chicken is fully cooked and coated in sauce, turn off the heat.

Let it sit in the pan for a minute so the juices settle.

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you like a little color and extra freshness.

Letting the chicken rest for a minute also helps keep it juicy when you slice into it.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Now it’s time to eat! Serve the lemon garlic chicken hot with your favorite side.

It tastes great with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.

You can also add a simple salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Spoon any extra sauce from the pan over the top—it’s too good to leave behind.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Chicken

This recipe is a favorite for many reasons.

First, it’s quick. From start to finish, it takes less than 30 minutes to make.

That means you can cook a homemade meal even on a busy day.

Second, the flavors are fresh and bold, but not too strong.

The lemon gives the dish a little zing, and the garlic adds warmth and depth.

It’s also a flexible recipe.

You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or even try it with shrimp.

You can add vegetables to the pan or serve it with bread to soak up the sauce.

No matter how you serve it, it’s always tasty.

Another reason people love this recipe is how easy it is.

You don’t need special cooking tools or a long list of ingredients.

Just a pan, a few everyday items, and a little time—and you’ve got something delicious.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool down and then store it in an airtight container.

Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place it in a pan with a splash of water or lemon juice and warm it over low heat.

You can also use the microwave, but the pan helps keep the sauce from drying out.

If the sauce thickens too much, just add a spoonful of water or butter.

Final Thoughts

Lemon garlic chicken is one of those meals that never gets old.

It’s fresh, full of flavor, and really easy to make.

You don’t need to be a great cook to get it right.

With just a few steps and simple ingredients, you can make a meal that looks and tastes amazing.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, your friends, or just yourself, this recipe is a great choice.

It’s light but satisfying, easy but impressive, and always hits the spot.

So the next time you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, try this lemon garlic chicken recipe.

It’s a simple dish with big flavor—and you’ll probably find yourself making it again and again.