Go Back
Close-up shot of golden-brown, pan-seared chicken breasts topped with lemon slices and drizzled with a rich, yellow garlic lemon butter sauce in a black skillet. Green beans are visible underneath.

Skillet Garlic Lemon Butter Chicken

A quick, bright, and flavorful skillet chicken dish made with tender seared chicken simmered in a rich garlic lemon butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Try adding red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or swapping chicken breasts for thighs for extra juiciness.