Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet is a simple, tasty dish that brings together bright lemon flavor and fragrant garlic with juicy chicken breasts. The chicken gets a beautiful golden crust in the skillet, while the lemon and garlic sauce adds a fresh and zesty touch that wakes up your taste buds.
I love making this dish on busy weeknights because it comes together quickly but still feels special. One tip I use is to squeeze extra fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten everything up even more. The smell of garlic cooking in the pan always makes the whole kitchen feel cozy and inviting.
My favorite way to enjoy this chicken is with a side of steamed veggies or a simple green salad. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an easy go-to when you want something tasty without a lot of fuss. This skillet meal has become a favorite in my house because everyone loves the tangy flavor and the way the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps things quick and easy. If you want juicier meat, feel free to use bone-in thighs instead—they add more flavor but take a bit longer to cook.
Lemon: Fresh lemon is key for that bright, tangy flavor. Lemon slices in the sauce also add nice color. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works, but use less to avoid bitterness.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful aroma and depth. Minced works best but you can crush or finely grate it. Garlic powder could be a substitute but won’t be as vibrant.
Heavy cream: This adds richness and smooth texture to the sauce. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner.
Baby potatoes and onion: These soak up the flavors in the skillet and make the meal more filling. You can swap potatoes for sweet potatoes or skip the onion if you prefer.
How Do I Get Tender Chicken with a Golden Brown Crust?
Cooking chicken perfectly in a skillet can be tricky—here’s how to do it right:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Use medium-high heat and enough oil to coat the pan. Don’t overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Flipping too soon can tear the crust.
- Flip and cook the other side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove chicken and let it rest while you make the sauce, locking in juices.
This method gets you juicy chicken with a nice crust that keeps it from drying out during the sauce simmer.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet – I recommend a cast-iron or non-stick pan; it heats evenly and creates a nice sear on the chicken.
- Meat thermometer – helps ensure your chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring potatoes and scraping up flavorful bits from the skillet.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing lemon, chopping garlic, and prepping potatoes and onion.
- Juicer (optional) – makes squeezing lemon juice quick and easy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and juiciness.
- Include chopped fresh herbs like thyme or basil for extra freshness.
- Stir in chopped spinach or kale towards the end for more greens and nutrients.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free or tangy twist.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus juice of half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 10-12 baby potatoes, halved
- 1 small onion, quartered
How Much Time Will You Need?
Expect about 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for cooking. That’s around 35 minutes total, making this a quick and flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Cook the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried parsley on both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
2. Cook the Potatoes and Onions:
In the same skillet, add the halved baby potatoes and quartered onions. Stir occasionally, cooking for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and get browned.
3. Add Garlic and Make the Sauce:
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bits off the skillet bottom (this adds great flavor). Mix in the heavy cream, lemon slices, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Bring this to a gentle simmer.
4. Return Chicken and Simmer:
Put the chicken back in, nestling it next to the potatoes and onions. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until the potatoes are tender and chicken is warmed through.
5. Thicken and Garnish:
Remove the lid and cook for 2-3 more minutes to thicken the sauce a bit. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet—creamy, tangy, with tender chicken and soft potatoes all in one pan!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice sear.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave to avoid overcooking the chicken.
What Can I Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet?
This dish is great served on its own with the potatoes and onions, or alongside steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.