Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2024)

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Lemon Garlic Chicken makes the perfect simple skillet meal that is ready in just 20 minutes! This easy chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten free!

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (1)

One of the easiest weeknight meals are seasoned chicken breast paired with a pan sauce. We love Chicken Florentine, or this easy Rotel Chicken. This Lemon Garlic Chicken fits the bill perfectly, it is easy, cooks quickly and has basic ingredients you probably keep on hand. Just in case you don’t cook skillet chicken often, I’ve documented the entire process so you can make this easy lemon chicken at home!

What you’ll love about this recipe:

  • KID FRIENDLY – Crispy, parmesan-crusted chicken with a simple lemon butter sauce should be a hit with even your pickiest eaters! If your kiddos won’t enjoy the lemon sauce you can easily skip the final step and only add part of the chicken back to the lemon sauce. Just be sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • VERSATILE – This recipe is excellent paired with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice dishes are pastas.
  • SIMPLE – Minimal ingredients and only one pan make this recipe super simple and perfect for busy evenings!
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2)

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Chicken

  • Avocado oil: Any neutral oil, such as olive oil will work in this recipe.
  • Chicken breasts: For this recipe we cut a large, thick chicken breast into smaller thinner breasts. This ensures your chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
  • Eggs: size large eggs, you will use this to help the breading adhere to the chicken.
  • Almond flour: this is used for the breading.
  • Grated parmesan: the secret ingredient in the breading that ensures a crispy coating. Make sure you’re not using shredded parmesan as it will not hold well to the chicken.
  • Italian seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: this is used to flavor the breading.
  • Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter; if you use unsalted, you’ll want to add salt to taste.
  • Garlic: freshly minced garlic
  • Dry white wine: Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Gris are all good dry white wines for cooking. You could also substitute chicken broth instead of wine if you prefer.
  • Lemon juice: For the juice, you can use bottled or squeeze 2 large lemons.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken

In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need a large skillet, knife, cutting board, and a few shallow bowls.This is a recipe that cooks quite quickly so it is best to prep the ingredients ahead of time. Follow the step-by-step guide below to make the best lemon butter chicken:

Bread the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (3)

Set up a breading station in two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, beat the eggs. In the second bowl whisk together the almond flour, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, this will be your crispy breading. Next, dredge each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, followed by the almond flour mixture, coating evenly on both sides. Be sure they are evenly coated so every bite of chicken is perfectly flavored.

Cook the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (4)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (5)

Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is hot add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and crisp. It is important to only flip the chicken once to prevent the breading from falling off. Once the chicken has been cooked transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (6)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (7)

In the same pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant. Add the wine, scraping the pan to deglaze it, be sure to get any brown bits that might have stuck to the bottom of the pan. Next, stir in the lemon juice and the remaining butter. As the butter melts and the sauce cooks it will begin to thicken slightly.

Add the Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (8)

Once the sauce has reduced slightly and begun to thicken, add the chicken back to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF. Be sure not to cover then pan, the build up of condensation will cause the breading to get soggy.

Serve

This dish is best served immediately, as the sauce can cause the breading to get soggy overtime. My suggestion is to serve this dish piping hot from the skillet with additional lemon wedges and parmesan. Some excellent side dish options include:

Storage and Reheating

Store the cooked lemon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results store the chicken and sauce separately. You can freeze this recipe for up to 3 months, although it is best served fresh. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as desired.

To reheat this dish in the Oven: Place chicken on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat this dish in a skillet. Simply place chicken in a skillet on medium-low heat until warmed through, flipping halfway through for even reheating.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (9)
Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (10)

Tips & Tricks

  • Use grated parmesan (the powdered kind) instead of shredded parmesan for the best crust.
  • If you feel like the breading isn’t sticking to the chicken well pop it in the oven for 15 minutes before cooking it in the skillet.
  • Only flip the chicken once to prevent the breading from sliding off.
  • Add extra lemon zest to the breading for a zesty kick.
  • If you want to serve this with pasta you can double the sauce.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different meat?

Yes, this will work with 1 inch pork chops, or tilapia. Just note the cooking times may be different. Use a meat thermometer to know when your protein is done.

Do I have to use the wine?

You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth in place of the wine if needed.

Can I use breadcrumbs?

Yes, panko breadcrumbs can be used in place of the almond flour if desired.

Other Skillet Meals

  • Tuscan Chicken Pasta: This one-pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta features juicy chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a creamy parmesan sauce.
  • Honey Garlic Chicken: This sweet and savory Honey Garlic Chicken is a one-pan recipe your entire family will love!
  • Jalapeno Chicken: This recipe is perfect for busy nights and easy keto meal prep!
  • Sausage and Butternut Squash Pasta: This Sausage and Butternut Squash Pasta features a creamy, lightened-up pasta sauce, fresh kale, and browned Italian sausage.

Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (11)

Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken makes the perfect simple skillet meal that is ready in just 20 minutes! This easy chicken recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 373 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste

Lemon Butter Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice

Instructions

  • Slice the chicken breast as if you are butterflying, but cut all the way through to make two thinner chicken breasts.

  • Set up a breading station with two bowls. In one bowl beat the eggs, in the second bowl combine the almond flour, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

  • Dredge each chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then the parmesan mixture, making sure it is coated on both sides.

  • Heat a large skillet to medium heat, and add the avocado oil. Brown the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  • In the same pan add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the wine, scraping the pan to deglaze it. Add the lemon juice, and remaining butter to the skillet and stir.

  • When the sauce has reduced slightly add the chicken back to the skillet. and cook 2-3 minutes until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

  • Top with lemon wedges, parmesan, and parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 4.2gProtein: 31gFat: 20gCholesterol: 170mgSodium: 189mgFiber: 0.7g

Keyword Chicken Breast

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Lemon Garlic Chicken - Best Chicken Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What does adding lemon juice to chicken do? ›

Lemon is acidic and helps balance the stronger flavor of the dark meat in thighs and legs, and the fat from the chicken skin.

What is the secret to moist chicken? ›

Brine the chicken: Soaking the chicken in a brine solution (water and salt) for a few hours before baking can help to keep it moist and tender. Add a liquid: Adding a bit of liquid, such as chicken broth, white wine, or even water to the baking dish can help to keep the chicken moist and tender.

How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

How long can you marinate chicken breast in lemon juice? ›

Marinades that use acidic components, such as lemon juice, should only be used for 2-3 hours, no more than 3 hours. Here's why: Lemon juice helps to tenderize meat, but when left for too long, it will break down the proteins too much, making the meat tough and rubbery… sometimes even mushy.

How long do you let chicken sit in lemon juice? ›

The reason you do not want to marinate chicken for longer than 4 hours is that the acidic ingredients in the marinade (like vinegar, wine, or lemon juice) will begin to break down the structure of the meat too much and it will start to “cook” before ever touching a heat source.

Can you put lemon on raw chicken? ›

You can marinate the chicken for several hours without affecting the texture. Marinate meats, poultry and fish with lemon juice in a non- reactive dish. Just a reminder, once the chicken is marinated, keep it in either a glass or plastic container. A stainless steel can be used.

What is the best cooking method to keep chicken moist? ›

Sear and Bake

For chicken breast that's crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, employ the sear-and-bake method. Brown the outside of the meat on a pan then finish it off in the oven.

Why does mayonnaise keep chicken moist? ›

While it cooks, the chicken will absorb fat from the egg and oil in the mayo, keeping it moist while adding flavor.

What is the best ingredient to tenderize chicken? ›

Using a marinade is a good way to achieve soft and tender chicken, with plain yogurt or buttermilk being the most commonly used marinades. The two contain acids and enzymes that combine to break the proteins and fiber in the chicken.

What is the secret to tender chicken breast? ›

The best tenderizer though, is a salted yogurt marinade. The salt has the same effect as in a regular brine, but the lactic acid in the yogurt further tenderizes the meat. A 15-minute marinade with one cup of yogurt and one teaspoon of salt makes for the most tender chicken breasts imaginable.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out? ›

Brining or Marinating: Soaking chicken breasts in a brine or marinade before cooking can help retain moisture. For a simple brine, mix 1/4 cup of salt with 4 cups of water. Let the chicken sit in this mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking. Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breast is very lean, so it can dry out quickly.

Can I put lemon juice on chicken while cooking? ›

Place chicken in a bowl; pour 1/2 of the lemon juice over chicken and season with salt. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Place chicken into hot oil. Add remaining lemon juice and oregano; season with black pepper.

What can I use instead of lemon juice to marinate chicken? ›

For people who dislike the taste of lemon, there are several alternatives, including:
  1. lime juice.
  2. ACV.
  3. orange juice.
  4. grapefruit juice.
  5. celery juice.
  6. white wine vinegar.
Jul 29, 2021

What herbs go best with lemon? ›

Lemon. Herbs and Spices: Pairs really well with lemongrass, cardamom, thyme, basil, cilantro, ginger, coriander, nutmeg, and tarragon. Foods: Pairs really well with other citrus flavours, carrot, cranberry, seafood, and bacon.

What does lemon juice do to meat? ›

Lemon juice is a great meat tenderizer; the acidity gently breaks down the protein fibers in meat, according to Science Learning Hub. That leaves it scrumptiously fork-tender. “You can simply coat a piece of meat with lemon juice for at least one hour before cooking to improve tenderness,” Rifkin says.

Does lemon juice turn chicken white? ›

It can also turn the chicken white and give it a cooked appearance. Cooking the protein with acid is something you want in ceviche, but not chicken. Another alternative is to marinate for 24 hours max without adding the lemon juice until the last 30 to 60 minutes of marination before cooking.

Why does lemon juice turn chicken white? ›

Over time the acids in the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken before it even hits the grill or the heat source, turning it white and affecting its texture. If a protein spend too long marinating in lemon juice, the texture can start to break down and become mushy.

Does lemon juice tenderize meat? ›

Everyone loves a great marinade to add flavor to chicken, steak, or fish, but did you know it can also help tenderize the meat? Use an acid-based food, like lemon or lime juice, over meat. Only keep this marinade on for two hours because too much time can make the meat too mushy.

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