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One-skillet lemon chicken recipe with fresh lemon, garlic, and thyme. A simple, dependable dinner for any night of the week.
This lemon chicken recipe has a subtle, fresh lemon flavor that feels light but still satisfying. The recipe is written for two, but it’s easy to cut in half or double, depending on what you need. The quick flour dredge adds a bit of body to the sauce, but it can be skipped if you’d like a gluten-free option. Basic ingredients, minimal prep, and an easy method make this a reliable dinner that works just as well for a quiet evening as it does for guests.
What You’ll Need
- Kinder’s The Blend: a simple all-purpose seasoning for the chicken
- 2 chicken breasts: boneless and skinless
- All-purpose flour: for lightly dredging the chicken
- Butter: used for browning and flavor
- Chicken broth: forms the base of the pan sauce
- One large lemon, zested and juiced: provides 2 tablespoons juice and 1 tablespoon zest
- Minced garlic: adds savory flavor
- Fresh minced onion: optional, but adds mild sweetness to the sauce
- Fresh thyme sprigs, tied into a small bundle: infuses the sauce with gentle herb flavor
How To Make Lemon Chicken
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Kinder’s The Blend.
- Place the flour on a plate, and dredge the chicken breasts.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Place the two chicken breasts in the hot skillet.
- Cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove from the skillet onto a plate. Set aside.
- Into the skillet, still over medium heat, add the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, garlic, and onion.
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken breasts back to the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8 minutes.
- Turn the chicken, baste with the lemon broth, and add the thyme bouquet garni.
- Cover and cook 8 minutes more.
- Test the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with additional juice from the skillet and fresh lemon quarters if desired.
What is a Bouquet Garni?
A bouquet garni is just a small bundle of fresh herbs that adds flavor as your dish cooks. For this lemon chicken recipe, it’s an easy way to infuse the sauce with a gentle herbal note without chopping anything finely or leaving bits behind.
To make one, gather a few fresh herb sprigs, usually thyme, parsley, and a bay leaf. Tie them together with kitchen twine, or wrap them in a small piece of cheesecloth and tie it closed. Add the bundle to the pan while the chicken cooks, then remove and discard it before serving.
A Few Helpful Tips
- If you prefer to control the seasoning more closely, you can replace Kinder’s The Blend with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I’ve made the recipe both ways.
- While The Blend is my preference, it does have a slight kick, which the simple seasoning avoids.
- Cooking time may vary by a few minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your burner.
- Herb options: Any fresh herbs can be used for the bouquet garni. A single herb or a small mix both work well, so feel free to use what your family prefers.
- Olive oil can be substituted for the butter, and boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of the chicken breasts.
Serving Ideas
This lemon chicken pairs well with simple sides. Roasted potatoes are an easy choice, but it’s also nice served with white rice or brown rice to soak up the sauce. An orzo salad with feta makes a fresh side, and garlic cheese bread or peasant bread works well for serving alongside.
Lemon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1-2 teaspoons Kinder's The Blend
- 2 chicken breasts (8 oz. each)
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 large lemon: zested and juiced (2 tablespoons juice, 1 tablespoon zest)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh minced onion (optional)
- 5 fresh thyme sprigs: tied into a small bundle (bouquet garni)
Instructions
- Gather and measure all ingredients.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Kinder's The Blend.
- Place the flour on a plate, and dredge the chicken breasts.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Place the two chicken breasts in the hot skillet.
- Cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove from skillet onto a plate. Set aside.
- Into the skillet, still over medium heat, add the chicken broth, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, garlic, and onion.
- Cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the chicken breasts back to the skillet.
- Add the bouquet garni and two slices of lemon. (The lemon slices are optional but they add a bit more lemon flavor.)
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8 minutes.
- Turn the chicken and baste with the lemon broth.
- Cover and cook 8 minutes more.
- Test chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature is at least 165 degrees F.
- Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve with additional juice from the skillet and fresh lemon quarters if desired.
Notes
- In place of Kinder’s The Blend, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your taste.
- Cooking time may vary by a few minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken and the heat of your burner.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5-star review. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
Kitchen Tools
- Blue floral wood board
- Kitchen twine
- Gold handled scissors
- Medium Frying Pan
- Round wood board
- Cutting board set
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This recipe was great. It was quick, easy and delicious. I am always looking to simplify the dinner menus. This one does that.Thank You for sharing.
I’ve made a very similar recipe using boneless, skinless chicken thighs and let me say it’s far superior to chicken breasts which are often tasteless and dry. But this re pie has all the right ingredients for a simple meal.