🍋 Lemon Chicken (Easy Garlic Herb Style)

Tender, juicy chicken coated in a bright lemon garlic butter sauce with herbs. This simple, flavorful dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with vegetables, rice, pasta, or a low-carb side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Lemon Garlic Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
2. If breasts are thick, slice horizontally or pound lightly for even cooking.
3. Season both sides with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium.
2. Melt butter in the same skillet.
3. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using).
5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Stir in parsley and thyme.

4. Finish

1. Return chicken to the skillet.
2. Spoon the lemon sauce over the chicken.
3. Simmer for 2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
4. Serve with extra lemon slices and herbs.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

Low-Carb Options:

• Cauliflower mash
• Roasted broccoli
• Zucchini noodles
• Asparagus
• Green beans

Classic Sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Rice pilaf
• Pasta
• Garlic bread
• Garden salad

🥣 Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 43 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Net Carbs: 4 g

💡 Tips

• Add a splash of cream and Parmesan to the lemon sauce for a creamy lemon chicken version.
• Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
• Chicken thighs will give a richer, juicier result.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days and reheat gently with extra sauce. 🍋