If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a chicken breast wondering how you can make it more exciting without spending hours in the kitchen, then this One-Pan Chicken Lemon Garlic recipe is exactly what you need.
This dish is everything I love about cooking: simple, fast, and incredibly delicious. And the best part? It all comes together in just one pan, which means you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cleaning up.
As someone who’s always on the lookout for meals that are quick yet feel special, this recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen. If you’re someone who loves food that’s both satisfying and easy to make, I can promise this dish will become a favorite in your house too.
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Let me tell you, I don’t say this lightly, but this chicken is amazing. The tender, juicy chicken breasts soak up the rich, garlicky lemon sauce, and when you combine that with the herbs and a hint of acidity from the lemon, it’s like a flavor explosion without any of the fuss.
I’ve made this dish on busy weeknights when I need something quick, and I’ve also served it for guests who’ve been so impressed they asked for the recipe (I’ve got that in writing!). Whether it’s a regular Wednesday or a dinner party, this recipe works every time.
The best part? The simplicity. You’re only a few ingredients away from a meal that looks like you’ve spent hours cooking. No one will know you’ve been at it for just 30 minutes, and you can be sure they’ll be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now, here’s the beauty of this recipe: you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make it taste incredible. Chances are, you’ve got most of these in your pantry already, and if not, they’re easy to grab.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, depending on your preference—both work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or any cooking oil you prefer)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (and trust me, the more garlic, the better!)
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (you can’t have too much lemon in this dish!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you have it)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (again, fresh is great, but dried works just as well)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth (or you can use white wine if you’re feeling fancy)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish—optional but adds a pop of color and freshness)
Simple, right? That’s the beauty of this recipe. You don’t need to make a trip to the store for anything special. Everything you need should already be in your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pan Chicken Lemon Garlic
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. You don’t have to go crazy with the seasoning, but make sure the chicken is evenly coated on both sides. I like to rub the seasoning into the chicken a bit—kind of like giving it a little massage. It helps the flavors soak in, and it makes me feel like a pro chef (even though this is a super easy recipe!).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. You should hear that satisfying sizzle—if you don’t, your pan isn’t hot enough, so just let it heat up a bit more.
Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden, crispy crust on the outside, which will lock in all the juiciness. When the chicken is nice and browned on both sides, take it out of the pan and set it aside for a moment. Don’t worry if there are little bits of chicken left in the pan; that’s where the flavor is!
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Lemon
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like garlic heaven and starts turning a little golden.
Once the garlic is done, add the lemon zest. This is the key to that bright, fresh flavor that really makes the dish shine. The zest gives a nice, citrusy fragrance that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.
Now, pour in the chicken broth (or white wine, if you’re feeling fancy). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—those little bits are packed with flavor and are what make the sauce so delicious. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the pan, and stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes. You want the chicken to cook through and soak up all that delicious lemon garlic sauce. If you’re using chicken thighs, it might take a little longer, so just check the internal temperature. The chicken should be at 165°F when done.
While the chicken is simmering away, take a few minutes to relax. Maybe pour yourself a glass of wine (or, you know, water if you’re keeping it healthy). The beauty of this recipe is that while the chicken does its thing, you don’t have to do anything else!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate. Spoon some of that heavenly lemon garlic sauce over the top. If you’ve got fresh parsley, chop it up and sprinkle it on top. It adds a nice burst of color and a little freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce.
That’s it! You’ve got a meal that looks and tastes amazing. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, a simple salad, or even some mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Lemon Garlic
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: While boneless breasts are great for a quick meal, bone-in chicken (like thighs or drumsticks) adds even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure you adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add veggies for a one-pan meal: Don’t feel like cooking separate sides? Toss some veggies right into the pan with the chicken! Asparagus, zucchini, or even small potatoes work really well. They’ll absorb the lemon garlic sauce and make everything taste even better.
- Make the sauce your own: While the lemon garlic sauce is delicious as is, don’t be afraid to mix it up. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a little sweetness or toss in a few red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. The possibilities are endless!
Why I Love One-Pan Meals
One-pan meals have become my go-to for busy nights because they save me time and energy. Who has the patience to wash a dozen dishes after a long day? Not me! Plus, one-pan meals like this are super versatile—you can swap out ingredients based on what you’ve got in your fridge and still end up with something delicious.
And let’s not forget the cleanup. This recipe might be the easiest to make, but it’s also one of the easiest to clean up after. A quick rinse of the pan, and you’re done. It’s hard to beat that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful dish that comes together quickly, this One-Pan Chicken Lemon Garlic recipe is definitely one you’ll want to keep in your rotation. It’s easy, it’s tasty, and it’ll make you feel like a kitchen superstar—even if you’re just getting started with cooking. Plus, who can resist the fresh, zesty kick of lemon paired with the savory richness of garlic? It’s a combination that never gets old.
So, grab your chicken, heat up that pan, and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and incredible. You won’t regret it!
One-Pan Chicken Lemon Garlic Recipe: A Simple, Flavorful Dinner for Any Night
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, depending on your preference—both work great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any cooking oil you prefer
- 4 cloves garlic minced (and trust me, the more garlic, the better!)
- 1 lemon zested and juiced (you can’t have too much lemon in this dish!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh if you have it
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary again, fresh is great, but dried works just as well
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth or you can use white wine if you’re feeling fancy
- Fresh parsley for garnish—optional but adds a pop of color and freshness
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. You don’t have to go crazy with the seasoning, but make sure the chicken is evenly coated on both sides. I like to rub the seasoning into the chicken a bit—kind of like giving it a little massage. It helps the flavors soak in, and it makes me feel like a pro chef (even though this is a super easy recipe!).
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Now, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan. You should hear that satisfying sizzle—if you don’t, your pan isn’t hot enough, so just let it heat up a bit more.
- Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden, crispy crust on the outside, which will lock in all the juiciness. When the chicken is nice and browned on both sides, take it out of the pan and set it aside for a moment. Don’t worry if there are little bits of chicken left in the pan; that’s where the flavor is!
Step 3: Add the Garlic and Lemon
- In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when it smells like garlic heaven and starts turning a little golden.
- Once the garlic is done, add the lemon zest. This is the key to that bright, fresh flavor that really makes the dish shine. The zest gives a nice, citrusy fragrance that will have your kitchen smelling amazing.
- Now, pour in the chicken broth (or white wine, if you’re feeling fancy). Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan—those little bits are packed with flavor and are what make the sauce so delicious. Squeeze the juice of the lemon into the pan, and stir everything together.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes. You want the chicken to cook through and soak up all that delicious lemon garlic sauce. If you’re using chicken thighs, it might take a little longer, so just check the internal temperature. The chicken should be at 165°F when done.
- While the chicken is simmering away, take a few minutes to relax. Maybe pour yourself a glass of wine (or, you know, water if you’re keeping it healthy). The beauty of this recipe is that while the chicken does its thing, you don’t have to do anything else!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate. Spoon some of that heavenly lemon garlic sauce over the top. If you’ve got fresh parsley, chop it up and sprinkle it on top. It adds a nice burst of color and a little freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce.