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

Lemon Garlic Chicken – Easy Mediterranean Skillet

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
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
 

  1. 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.
    Chicken breasts searing in a skillet until golden brown — first step in making creamy garlic chicken.
  2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    Minced garlic cooking in melted butter for creamy garlic chicken sauce.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
    Golden seared chicken simmering in creamy lemon garlic sauce inside a rustic skillet.
  5. Serve:Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices. Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
    Creamy garlic chicken served on a plate with lemon slices and parsley, ready to eat.

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.