Simple Lemon Chicken Dinner
This quick and easy recipe for Simple Lemon Chicken Dinner delivers tender chicken in a bright, tangy lemon butter sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, it's a flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 total boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1 lb, thinly sliced or pounded to an even thickness
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice from about 1-2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and slice them horizontally or pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add chicken broth and lemon juice to the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to slightly reduce the sauce.
- Remove from heat and swirl in butter until melted and the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Serving
- Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F/74°C internal temperature. For a richer sauce, use a good quality chicken broth. This dish pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or rice.