Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2024)

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Lemon Garlic Chicken makes the perfect simple skillet meal that is ready in just 20 minutes! This easy chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten free!

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (1)

One of the easiest weeknight meals are seasoned chicken breast paired with a pan sauce. We love Chicken Florentine, or this easy Rotel Chicken. This Lemon Garlic Chicken fits the bill perfectly, it is easy, cooks quickly and has basic ingredients you probably keep on hand. Just in case you don’t cook skillet chicken often, I’ve documented the entire process so you can make this easy lemon chicken at home!

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • KID FRIENDLY – Crispy, parmesan-crusted chicken with a simple lemon butter sauce should be a hit with even your pickiest eaters! If your kiddos won’t enjoy the lemon sauce you can easily skip the final step and only add part of the chicken back to the lemon sauce. Just be sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • VERSATILE – This recipe is excellent paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice dishes are pastas.
  • SIMPLE – Minimal ingredients and only one pan make this recipe super simple and perfect for busy evenings!
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2)

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken

  • Avocado oil: Any neutral oil, such as olive oil will work in this recipe.
  • Chicken breasts: For this recipe we cut a large, thick chicken breast into smaller thinner breasts. This ensures your chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
  • Eggs: size large eggs, you will use this to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
  • Almond flour: this is used for the breading.
  • Grated parmesan: the secret ingredient in the breading that ensures a crispy coating. Make sure you’re not using shredded parmesan as it will not hold well to the chicken.
  • Italian seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: this is used to flavor the breading.
  • Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter; if you use unsalted, you’ll want to add salt to taste.
  • Garlic: freshly minced garlic
  • Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris are all good dry white wines for cooking. You could also substitute chicken broth instead of wine if you prefer.
  • Lemon juice: For the juice, you can use bottled or squeeze 2 large lemons.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need a large skillet, knife, cutting board, and a few shallow bowls.This is a recipe that cooks quite quickly so it is best to prep the ingredients ahead of time. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make the best lemon butter chicken:

Bread the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (3)

Set up a breading station in two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, beat the eggs. In the second bowl whisk together the almond flour, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, this will be your crispy breading. Next, dredge each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, followed by the almond flour mixture, coating evenly on both sides. Be sure they are evenly coated so every bite of chicken is perfectly flavored.

Cook the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (4)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (5)

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and crisp. It is important to only flip the chicken once to prevent the breading from falling off. Once the chicken has been cooked transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (6)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (7)

In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Add the wine, scraping the pan to deglaze it, be sure to get any brown bits that might have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Next, stir in the lemon juice and the remaining butter. As the butter melts and the sauce cooks it will begin to thicken slightly.

Add the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (8)

Once the sauce has reduced slightly and begun to thicken, add the chicken back to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF. Be sure not to cover then pan, the build up of condensation will cause the breading to get soggy.

Serve

This dish is best served immediately, as the sauce can cause the breading to get soggy overtime. My suggestion is to serve this dish piping hot from the skillet with additional lemon wedges and parmesan. Some excellent side dish options include:

Storage and Reheating

Store the cooked lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results store the chicken and sauce separately. You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months, although it is best served fresh. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

To reheat this dish in the Oven: Place chicken on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat this dish in a skillet. Simply place chicken in a skillet on medium-low heat until warmed through, flipping halfway through for even reheating.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (9)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (10)

Tips & Tricks

  • Use grated parmesan (the powdered kind) instead of shredded parmesan for the best crust.
  • If you feel like the breading isn’t sticking to the chicken well pop it in the oven for 15 minutes before cooking it in the skillet.
  • Only flip the chicken once to prevent the breading from sliding off.
  • Add extra lemon zest to the breading for a zesty kick.
  • If you want to serve this with pasta you can double the sauce.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, this will work with 1 inch pork chops, or tilapia. Just note the cooking times may be different. Use a meat thermometer to know when your protein is done.

Do I have to use the wine?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of the wine if needed.

Can I use breadcrumbs?

Yes, panko breadcrumbs can be used in place of the almond flour if desired.

Other Skillet Meals

  • Tuscan Chicken Pasta: This one-pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta features juicy chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce.
  • Honey Garlic Chicken: This sweet and savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a one-pan recipe your entire family will love!
  • Jalapeno Chicken: This recipe is perfect for busy nights and easy keto meal prep!
  • Sausage and Butternut Squash Pasta: This Sausage and Butternut Squash Pasta features a creamy, lightened-up pasta sauce, fresh kale, and browned Italian sausage.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (11)

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken makes the perfect simple skillet meal that is ready in just 20 minutes! This easy chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 373 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken breast as if you are butterflying, but cut all the way through to make two thinner chicken breasts.

  • Set up a breading station with two bowls. In one bowl beat the eggs, in the second bowl combine the almond flour, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Dredge each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then the parmesan mixture, making sure it is coated on both sides.

  • Heat a large skillet to medium heat, and add the avocado oil. Brown the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  • In the same pan add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the wine, scraping the pan to deglaze it. Add the lemon juice, and remaining butter to the skillet and stir.

  • When the sauce has reduced slightly add the chicken back to the skillet. and cook 2-3 minutes until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

  • Top with lemon wedges, parmesan, and parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 4.2gProtein: 31gFat: 20gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 189mgFiber: 0.7g

Keyword Chicken Breast

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Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret to moist chicken? ›

Brining helps the chicken retain moisture. Marinate the Chicken:Marinate the chicken in a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like yogurt, buttermilk, or citrus juice. Marinades not only add flavor but can also help tenderize the meat.

What does adding lemon juice to chicken do? ›

Tender Juicy Chicken: The acidic lemon juice helps break down muscle fibers, making the chicken more tender. The oil and other ingredients help lock in moisture, guaranteeing juicy, flavorful chicken. Flavorful: Lemon and garlic are a classic combo, while mustard adds tang, and red pepper flakes add a subtle kick.

How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

What makes chicken more tasty? ›

Add even more flavor by mixing ground spices with olive oil before brushing on the chicken, or simply roast with lemon slices and woody herbs, like thyme or rosemary.

What is the best cooking method to keep chicken moist? ›

Sear and Bake

For chicken breast that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, employ the sear-and-bake method. Brown the outside of the meat on a pan then finish it off in the oven.

Why does mayonnaise keep chicken moist? ›

While it cooks, the chicken will absorb fat from the egg and oil in the mayo, keeping it moist while adding flavor.

Do you put lemon on chicken before or after cooking? ›

Method
  1. Marinate chicken: Place lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a large, non-reactive bowl, whisk to combine. ...
  2. Place chicken in baking dish, brush with butter: ...
  3. Bake and baste with marinade: ...
  4. Let the chicken rest: ...
  5. Save meat juices to serve with chicken:

How long do you let chicken sit in lemon juice? ›

Tips for Success. Marinate the chicken for 2-3 hours for best results. Maximum 3 hours. Lemon helps add flavor and tenderize the chicken, but if left for too long, it will actually start breaking down the proteins way too much, resulting in tough, rubbery, or even mushy texture.

What happens if you marinate chicken in lemon juice too long? ›

Important: If your marinade is full of fresh citrus or vinegar, like the one in this chicken skewers recipe, keep the marinating time below an hour for optimal results. Poultry marinated in citrus, like lemon or lime juices, or vinegars can turn mushy and stringy if left to soak for too long.

Does chicken breast get more tender the longer you cook it? ›

Most whole chickens become fully tender in about one hour on medium-low heat. Yes, chicken breast will get softer the longer you cook it, as long as it is cooked at a low enough temperature to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.

How to make chicken breast taste good? ›

Here are 7 tricks to make chicken breasts taste better and even totally delicious.
  1. Cook them right. Most people get scared and overcook chicken breasts, cooking out all the moisture and leaving them tough and dry. ...
  2. Marinate them. ...
  3. Cut them thin. ...
  4. Fry them. ...
  5. Stuff them. ...
  6. Shred them. ...
  7. Use the right pan.

What spices go well with chicken? ›

5 best spice and herbs blends for chicken and meat
  • Paprika and garlic powder. Paprika is a great spice that makes any chicken dish stand out, it comes in many forms sweet, hot, regular and smoky. ...
  • Basil and rosemary. ...
  • Ginger and lemongrass. ...
  • Turmeric and chili. ...
  • Coriander and cumin.

What is the most delicious part of the chicken? ›

THIGHS. Arguably the tastiest part of the chicken, thighs are little parcels of tender, juicy meat from the top of the bird's leg. You can buy them bone in, or bone out, and with the skin on or off. The meat is darker and firmer than the white breast meat and needs slightly longer to cook.

What is the tastiest chicken to eat? ›

Here are a few popular breeds: Cornish Cross: This breed is commonly used in commercial chicken production due to its fast growth and meaty texture. It's known for its tender and juicy meat. Rhode Island Red: Rhode Island Reds are dual-purpose chickens, meaning they are raised for both meat and eggs.

How do you cook chicken so it doesn't dry out? ›

Make the chicken thinner

Especially when cooking chicken in a skillet, the answer is to aim for a more uniform thickness, so that the pieces cook more evenly and in less time. Thinner breasts or cutlets are less likely to dry out, as they won't spend as much time in the pan.

How do caterers keep chicken moist? ›

Keep chicken moist

A cooking hack from my catering days of frying and grilling chicken for the masses is poaching. Poach chicken on low heat in a mixture of buttermilk and chicken stock, or just stock. Once cooked through, refrigerate until ready to grill (perfect for overnight).

How do you fix chicken that is too dry? ›

Chicken stock or broth is the best liquid to impart flavor and moisture back into dry chicken. Warm your broth over a medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Place your shredded chicken in the pan until it is barely covered with enough broth to coat the chicken.

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