Zesty Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken
This Zesty Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken features tender chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and savory garlic, all cooked in one pan for a quick and delicious meal.
Equipment
- Parchment paper or plastic wrap
- Meat mallet or heavy pan
- Small bowl
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 lbs total
Produce & Seasoning
- 1-2 fresh lemons juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, oregano, or a mix
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness between parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Season both sides of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
- Combine lemon zest, minced garlic, and chopped fresh herbs in a small bowl.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
- Remove chicken and set aside, tented with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium, add chicken broth to the skillet, and scrape up browned bits.
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and the herb-garlic mixture, simmering for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
Serving
- Return chicken to the pan, spoon sauce over, and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken is pounded to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Adjust herbs to your preference for a customized flavor profile.