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Skillet Lemon Chicken - one pan chicken that is pan-fried to a golden perfection in a buttery lemon sauce. Easy lemon chicken recipe that is perfect for dinner.
How To Make Lemon Chicken
I got a big bag of homegrown lemons from my good friend recently and decided to make this easy and amazing lemon chicken.
I love the light and citrusy flavors of lemon juice, and the natural tastes of the chicken intermingle together with it. It is absolutely delicious.
You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast, or even whole cut up chicken. First, season the chicken with a bit of salt and black pepper, then pan-fry to golden perfection on both sides.
Prepare the lemon sauce by using chicken broth and lemon juice. Finally, let the chicken simmer in the sauce. It’s that easy!
Ingredients For Lemon Chicken Recipe
- Chicken thighs
- Unsalted butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- White wine
- Lemon juice
- Parsley
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s possible for lemon juice to dry out chicken. However, with the use of oil, it counters the drying effect of lemon juice. If this still does not work, feel free to use lemon pepper or lemon zest.
Marinate no longer than 2 hours, because the lemon juice can work against the texture. It is recommended to not marinate for this recipe.
This recipe has 585 calories per serving.
What To Serve With Skillet Lemon Chicken
This dish is best served with pasta or rice. For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
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Skillet Lemon Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (1kg) chicken thighs
- salt
- ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a skillet and grease it with olive oil. Pan-fry the chicken on both sides until nicely browned, but not cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
- Add the butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic. Return the chicken to the skillet (including the juices that have accumulated), followed by the chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, and salt.
- Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken over at the 5-minute mark. Top with chopped parsley, turn off the heat, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Is the chicken pre cooked? in the recipe says that chicken broth needed. thank you very much for you’re reply..
Chicken is not cooked. Use canned chicken broth.
any substitute for the wine? its okay if no white wine? about the butter, is it okay if i used the salted?
thanks
Racky
Skip wine and yes on salted butter.
Hello Rasa, I’m making this tonite. What about adding a little flour to thicken the sauce? Would that work?
You can, but I skip the traditional method of adding flour because I don’t like the taste from the flour and the texture. You can reduce the sauce by simmering it down. To me, this is much better than using flour to taint the natural taste of the sauce! :)
Hello Rasa, I’m making this tonite. Could I add a little flour to thicken the sauce?
can i just throw all the ingredients together in a pan to bake?
Yes you can!
This is my second time making this dish.. I love love how easy and delicious it was.. Keep them coming! !
Thanks Stephanie for trying my skillet lemon chicken recipe!
Hi! I recently made your Spanish style chicken thighs, delicious! I want to make these lemon chicken thighs, however the cook time seems short. Are they boneless? I’m making them tonight (bone-in) regardless, I was just curious because the other recipe called for a longer cook time. Thanks :)
Yes, sometimes I cook shorter because the chicken thighs I have were probably smaller. Just check the doneness of the chicken thighs or if in doubt, cook longer.
What about adding capers?
You can add capers if you like. :)
Great recipe. Since we do not drink there is never wine in the house. I substituted chicken broth for the wine and it is delicious. The wine is probably good but it is great without it.
Yes.
the most easy and delicious cooking I have ever done. I don’t like cooking but this is the best.
Hi Ann, thanks, yes, this recipe is so easy and good, with so little ingredients. I am so glad you are trying this skillet lemon chicken recipe.