Skillet Lemon Chicken

This one-skillet lemon chicken delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum taste. Tender chicken cutlets are pan-seared to golden perfection and finished in a bright, buttery lemon sauce that's pure comfort food magic. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss!

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 285kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Flour for dredging
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp butter divided
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Chopped fresh parsley optional

Instructions

Cut chicken breasts horizontally into four cutlets and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dredge seasoned chicken cutlets in flour, shaking off excess.
Heat olive oil and 1 1/2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter melts.
Pan fry chicken cutlets until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
Bring mixture to a simmer and cook until sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Return chicken to skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, spooning sauce over chicken.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon slices.

Notes

Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness for uniform cooking if needed

Don't overcrowd the pan - cook chicken in batches if necessary

Fresh lemon juice works best, but bottled can be substituted in a pinch

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor

Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat well

Serve over rice, pasta, or with roasted vegetables for a complete meal

Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy

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