Perfectly juicy pan seared chicken breasts with this simple lemon garlic chicken recipe. The bright citrus marinade, paired with a hint of red pepper heat, gives every bite incredible flavour, and it's ready in just 15 minutes!
Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast That Stays Juicy Every Time
This lemon garlic chicken breast recipe is one I turn to often. With chicken breast, lemon, and garlic, it's simple yet full of fresh flavor. It reminds me of the food I grew up eating, made with extra virgin olive oil, herbs, and citrus for that bright Mediterranean touch. I like to slice the chicken into cutlets so they cook evenly and absorb the marinade beautifully.
The mix of lemon juice, garlic, parsley, and spices comes together quickly, and after a short marinate, a quick pan sear in a skillet on each side gives juicy, golden results. If you're after easy chicken breast recipes or flavorful chicken dinner ideas, this one always delivers, simple, fresh, and reliably delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry basics already on hand.
- Quick to Prepare: Slicing the chicken into cutlets means everything cooks faster, perfect for busy nights.
- Great for Meal Prep: Marinate ahead of time and cook when you're ready for an easy, satisfying meal.
- Mediterranean Inspiration: With extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon, herbs, and garlic, it's full of classic Mediterranean flavors I adore and grew up.
Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Chicken & Seasoning: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to here because they cook quickly, stay tender, and are easy to slice into cutlets. Plus, a simple sprinkle of salt and black pepper brings out their best flavor.
- Lemon & Garlic: Fresh lemon gives that lively brightness I always crave in this dish, and the garlic adds a rich, savory base that fills the kitchen with the most comforting aroma.
- Olive Oil & Herbs: I like using a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil; it keeps the chicken juicy and helps the Italian seasoning blend into every bite for that cozy Mediterranean flavor.
- Parsley & Red Pepper Flakes: A handful of fresh parsley gives a clean, colorful finish, and when I want a little warmth, a small pinch of red pepper flakes brings everything to life.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Prep and Season: Slice the chicken into cutlets, season with salt and pepper, then add to a bowl with garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and parsley.
2. Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
3. Cook: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat with extra virgin olive oil. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving to keep it juicy.
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken
A slice of warm garlic bread or crusty ciabatta is perfect for soaking up the lemony juices. If I'm craving something cozy, roasted potato wedges make a great pairing.
My Tips for Recipe Success
Let the Skillet Preheat Fully: Waiting a few extra minutes until the skillet is properly hot helps you get that beautiful golden sear.
Don't Wipe off the Marinade: I leave a little bit of the herbs and garlic clinging to the chicken when cooking; it adds so much extra flavor.
Store Leftovers Properly: I like to store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge; it stays fresh for up to 3 days and makes amazing salads or wraps the next day!
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Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 kg Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 Lemons
- 40 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 6 Cloves Garlic - Minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes - Optional
- 15 g Italian Parsley - Chopped
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breasts into cutlets for quicker, more even cooking. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken cutlets in a large shallow dish. Add the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and chopped Italian parsley. Toss well so every piece is evenly coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken cutlets for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Tony says
I just came across this lemon garlic chicken recipe and it looks exactly like the kind of dinner I love simple, fresh, and full of flavor. Can’t wait to try it with a side of roasted potatoes!