Lemon Garlic Chicken Breasts
Juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a rich lemon butter sauce infused with garlic.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt optional for low sodium
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- ½ cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt (if using), and black pepper.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove and set aside.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Deglaze the Pan
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in the lemon zest and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine and Serve
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cook for 2 more minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.