Lemon Chicken: Bright, Juicy & Effortless!

Why You’ll Love Making Lemon Chicken at Home

There’s nothing quite like the zingy burst of fresh lemon paired with tender chicken—and the best part? It’s super simple and fast to whip up! Skip the bland, store-bought versions—your taste buds will thank you. This dish delivers a punchy, bright flavor and a juicy, satisfying texture that’s perfect for any weeknight meal.

And let’s be honest—nothing beats the aroma of citrus and herbs wafting through your kitchen. It’s like sunshine in every bite—who knew dinner could be this cheerful? Plus, with pantry staples like olive oil, lemon, and a sprinkle of herbs, you’re just minutes away from a restaurant-quality plate.

Feeling inspired? While you’re at it, try jazzing up your meals with easy homemade pesto or a fresh salsa. That’s the kind of simple magic that makes cooking so fun!

Time to grab your skillet and lemon—let’s get cooking!

Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken is a dish featuring tender, pan-seared chicken breasts cooked until golden and topped with a bright, citrusy lemon sauce. The dish combines sautéing and simmering methods, resulting in moist meat with a tangy, glossy sauce and a vibrant appearance.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 1 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons honey to balance acidity
• 1 tablespoon butter optional, for richness
• Salt and pepper to taste seasoning

Equipment

• Skillet or frying pan
• Tongs or spatula

Method

 

1. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even thickness of about 1 inch, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
   
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Use tongs to flip, and adjust heat if pan begins to smoke.
   
3. Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. Pour off excess fat and reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
4. Deglaze the pan with lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add honey and butter, stirring until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened, approximately 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until heated through and well glazed with the sauce.
   
6. Transfer chicken to serving plates, spoon additional sauce over each piece, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately with your preferred sides.
   

You’re all set to impress with this vibrant Lemon Chicken! Serve it over rice or alongside roasted veggies for a complete feast. Bonus tip: a squeeze more lemon right before serving adds an extra zing. Don’t forget to share your delicious creation—happy cooking—and remember, every great chef started with a simple, tasty idea just like this!