Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest and juice of 2 large lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 2 cups fresh baby spinach - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish I love that this Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet uses simple ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the flavors. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps brown the chicken. Garlic is essential here. When you mince it and sauté it, it becomes fragrant and delicious. The zest and juice of the lemons add bright, fresh notes. You can feel the flavors pop! Dried oregano and smoked paprika deepen the taste. They give the dish a warm, aromatic quality. Use sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. This helps balance all the flavors. The chicken broth adds moisture and richness. It keeps the chicken from drying out. Fresh baby spinach is a wonderful touch. It wilts perfectly into the dish, adding a pop of color and nutrition. Finally, chopped fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. It brightens the dish and adds a fresh finish. This simple list of ingredients makes Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet a go-to meal for busy nights. Everything comes together easily, so you can enjoy a tasty dinner in no time! {{ingredient_image_2}} How do I season the chicken? Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Make sure you coat both sides well. This gives your chicken a great flavor. How do I sear the chicken breasts? Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken. Sear each side for about 6-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should reach 165°F inside. Once done, remove it and place it on a warm plate. How do I sauté the garlic? In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds. Stir often until it turns fragrant and slightly golden. This adds depth to your sauce. How do I add lemon and broth? Now, add the zest of one lemon, juice from two fresh lemons, and 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add lots of flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. How do I return chicken to the skillet? Place the seared chicken back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low. This helps the chicken soak up all the sauce's flavors. How do I incorporate the spinach? Gently stir in 2 cups of fresh baby spinach. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 5 minutes. The spinach will wilt nicely, and the chicken will be coated in the tasty sauce. - To sear the chicken perfectly, heat the olive oil until it shimmers. - Season the chicken well with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. - Sear each side for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. - Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. - Taste the sauce before serving. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. - Fresh herbs add bright flavor; use dried herbs if fresh isn’t available. - Lemon zest gives a punch; don’t skip it for more aroma. - Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Serve on a white plate to highlight the vibrant sauce. - Pair with roasted seasonal vegetables or fluffy quinoa for balance. - Drizzle sauce generously over the chicken for an appealing look. Pro Tips Proper Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A properly heated skillet will help achieve that perfect golden-brown crust. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and lemons for the best flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic will enhance the dish's overall taste. Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to ensure the flavors are balanced and to your preference. Pairing Suggestions: Complement this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or quinoa to create a well-rounded meal that's both nutritious and satisfying. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet with simple additions. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms brings a nice crunch and color. They also add nutrients, making your meal healthier. Try sautéing them with the garlic for extra taste. Using fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the dish further. These herbs add a fresh aroma and depth to the flavors. You can sprinkle them in during cooking or use them as garnish. Experimenting with these ingredients can make your dish unique every time. You can also cook this dish in different ways. An oven-baked version is great for a hands-off approach. Simply place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Pour the lemon-garlic sauce over it and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy and lets the flavors meld. If you prefer grilled chicken, this recipe works well. Marinate the chicken in the lemon-garlic mixture for a few hours. Then grill the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked. This method adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. Each method offers a new twist on this classic dish. To keep your Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet fresh, store it properly. - Refrigerating leftovers: Place the chicken in an airtight container. It lasts up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to include any sauce. - Best practices for freezing: For longer storage, freeze the chicken. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. It stays good for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheating is key to keeping your chicken tasty. - Tips for reheating chicken to maintain texture: Use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth. Heat on low until warmed through. This helps keep the chicken moist. - Sauce reapplication suggestions: When reheating, spoon some sauce over the chicken. This adds flavor and moisture. If needed, make a little more sauce to drizzle on top. Making this dish takes about 30 minutes. You will need 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. The cooking time is about 20 minutes. Once you start, the chicken cooks fast, and the flavors come together quickly. You can use skin-on chicken, but it will alter the cooking a bit. The skin adds fat and flavor. It may take a little longer to cook through. Make sure you check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. This meal pairs well with many sides. Here are some suggestions: - Roasted seasonal vegetables - Fluffy quinoa - Steamed rice - A fresh green salad - Crisp white wine or sparkling water These sides will complement the bright flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet. We covered key ingredients like chicken, garlic, and fresh lemon, then shared step-by-step cooking instructions. From cooking tips to storage advice, you now have tools for great results. Remember, this dish is versatile, with many ways to adjust flavors and ingredients. You can create a delightful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process and share the dish with loved ones!

Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

A delicious and easy skillet dish featuring chicken breasts cooked in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce with fresh spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 large lemon zest
  • 2 pieces fresh lemons, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • for garnish chopped fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Begin by heating the extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  • While the oil heats, season both sides of the chicken breasts liberally with sea salt, freshly cracked pepper, smoked paprika, and dried oregano, ensuring they are well-coated.
  • Once the oil is nicely heated, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a warm plate.
  • In the same skillet, without wiping it clean, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds, stirring frequently until the garlic becomes fragrant and starts to turn golden.
  • To the skillet, add the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add essential flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, then reduce the heat to low. Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach, cover the skillet, and allow everything to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the chicken is beautifully coated in the zesty sauce.
  • Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or quinoa for a balanced meal.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, garlic, lemon, skillet