Dinner

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe

ByRafael Mansero November 2, 2025November 2, 2025

Introduction

This easy lemon chicken recipe is a bright and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cutlets are cooked to golden perfection and finished in a tangy lemon butter sauce that’s sure to please the whole family.

Four golden-brown chicken breasts are cooked in a black pan, each placed on top of thin lemon slices that show a pale yellow color with translucent centers. The chicken breasts have a slightly crispy texture with visible seasoning of black pepper and small green parsley pieces scattered over the top. The light sauce in the pan has a glossy texture and pools slightly under the chicken and lemon slices. The pan itself has a pale mint green handle, all set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each cutlet in flour until well coated.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken cutlets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Pour chicken broth into the same skillet along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the sauce bubble and reduce for a couple of minutes.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if using, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and garlic powder for 30 minutes before cooking.
Use gluten-free flour or almond flour to dredge if avoiding gluten.
Add capers or a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex taste.
Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with three main parts: on the right, there is a single grilled chicken breast with a golden-brown crust and small green herb pieces sprinkled on top; on the left side, there is a neat pile of white rice garnished with green herbs and a little light sauce; above the rice, a cluster of vibrant green cooked green beans is placed side by side, looking fresh and slightly shiny. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best as they cook quickly and evenly. Using bone-in breasts will require longer cooking and may affect the sauce consistency.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and be no longer pink inside. Cooking times may vary based on thickness, so use a meat thermometer or cut into the thickest part to check.