If you love flavorful Mediterranean dinners that come together fast, this lemon garlic chicken is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken fillets are seared until golden, then simmered in a zesty garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice and herbs. The result is a light yet satisfying meal — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
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🍳 A Quick Mediterranean Classic
There’s something timeless about the combination of lemon, garlic, and olive oil. It’s fresh, vibrant, and deliciously simple. This lemon garlic chicken recipe captures that Mediterranean magic in a single skillet — no complicated steps, no long cooking time. Just wholesome ingredients that transform into something truly comforting.
The key is balance: the richness of butter and olive oil meets the brightness of lemon juice, while garlic adds depth and aroma. Together, they create a sauce that coats every bite of chicken with creamy, tangy perfection.
This dish fits beautifully into the Savory Planet Mediterranean collection, alongside favorites like Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon and One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
🍗 How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken
Step 1 – Sear the Chicken
Start with boneless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer more tenderness). Pat them dry, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This creates that beautiful crust and locks in all the juices.
Step 2 – Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. The aroma at this stage is irresistible — it’s the flavor base for your sauce.
Step 3 – Add Lemon and Broth
Pour in chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and zest. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend all those bright flavors.
Step 4 – Return Chicken to the Pan
Add the chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer gently until fully coated and tender. Spoon the sauce over the fillets and watch the glossy lemon-garlic glaze come together.
Step 5 – Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. It’s a wholesome and elegant dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
🌿 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in 25 minutes.
- Healthy & flavorful: Light, tangy, and protein-packed.
- One skillet: Minimal cleanup — everything cooks in the same pan.
- Versatile: Works with chicken, turkey, or even tofu.
This lemon garlic chicken is also great for meal prep — the sauce reheats beautifully, and the flavor deepens overnight.
💡 Chef’s Tips & Variations
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth in the sauce.
- Substitute butter with ghee or olive oil for a lighter option.
- For spice lovers, a pinch of chili flakes transforms it instantly.
- Want a creamy touch? Stir in a spoonful of heavy cream before serving.
This recipe is flexible and forgiving, making it perfect even if you’re not an experienced cook. The combination of garlic and lemon never fails to impress.
🥗 What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken
The sauce is the star here — and it deserves something to soak it up! Try pairing it with:
- Fluffy basmati rice or couscous
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- A crisp side salad like our Greek Salad
- Or even some crusty bread to wipe up that luscious sauce
If you want to explore more dinner ideas like this one, check out BBC Good Food’s Lemon Chicken Collection — a great source of inspiration for Mediterranean home cooking.
Lemon Garlic Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Skillet
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sear the Chicken:Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Lemon and Broth:Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Stir and scrape the bottom of the pan to release flavor. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Return Chicken to Pan:Add the chicken back and spoon sauce over the top. Let it simmer on low heat for 5 minutes until fully coated and tender.
- Serve:Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute butter with ghee or skip for a dairy-free version.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat.
❤️ Final Thoughts
This lemon garlic chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor. It’s bright from the lemon, savory from the garlic, and just rich enough from the butter and broth. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, it’s a dish that feels fresh, homemade, and satisfying every time.
With its golden sear, glossy sauce, and hint of herbs, this meal brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen — all in one skillet, in under half an hour.