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Cozy 20-Minute Lemon Chicken Skillet: Best Easy Dinner Recipe

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This cozy 20-minute lemon chicken skillet is a quick and comforting dinner that comes together in one pan. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in a light, seasoned flour, seared until golden, and finished with a bright, buttery lemon sauce that feels like a warm hug on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  2. Mix the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together with a fork until evenly mixed.
  3. Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Shake off excess and set on a plate.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers and moves like water in the pan (about 1 minute).
  5. Sear the chicken: Carefully place chicken in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until edges are golden and chicken releases easily. Flip and cook for 2-3 more minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.
  6. Cook the garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 1 minute until slightly reduced. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stir, and let bubble for another 30 seconds.
  8. Finish with butter: Remove skillet from heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter and swirl until melted into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Return the chicken: Place chicken back in the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let rest in warm sauce for about 1 minute.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip pounding the chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking. Pat chicken dry before coating to avoid a pasty crust. Let chicken rest after cooking to keep juices inside. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. For a creamy version, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream after deglazing. For a dairy-free version, use olive oil or plant-based butter. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, quick dinner, one-pan meal, weeknight dinner, chicken skillet, easy recipe, 20-minute meal

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