Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 600 g boneless chicken breasts (or thighs); 30 ml olive oil; 20 g butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon (juice + zest); 120 ml chicken broth; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp paprika; 2 g salt (to taste); 2 g black pepper; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Optional: lemon slices for serving

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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.

If you love easy chicken dinners with rich garlic flavor, you’ll also enjoy Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken — a creamy, comforting recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

🍳 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.

🌿 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.

For another quick chicken recipe with bold flavor, try Honey Garlic Chicken — it’s sticky, savory-sweet, and always a family favorite.

🥗 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
Or even some crusty bread to wipe up that luscious sauce

Creamy garlic chicken served on a plate with lemon slices and parsley, ready to eat.

Lemon Garlic Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Skillet

5 from 1 vote

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is a bright, flavorful Mediterranean recipe made in one skillet! Juicy chicken breasts are cooked in a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce that’s both fresh and comforting. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner — ready in just 25 minutes and bursting with flavor. Serve with rice, potatoes, or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

600 g boneless chicken breasts (or thighs)
30 ml olive oil
20 g butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon (juice + zest)
120 ml chicken broth
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
2 g salt (to taste)
2 g black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: lemon slices for serving

Equipment

Large skillet or frying pan
Wooden spoon or tongs
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cup and spoons
Citrus juicer

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.

If you’re craving another comforting dinner with bold flavor, Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo is a delicious one-pot meal you’ll definitely want to try next.

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.

Lemon is a popular ingredient in savory cooking thanks to its bright, fresh flavor, with its origin and culinary uses documented on Wikipedia.