Skillet Lemon Chicken

4.50 from 32 votes
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Skillet Lemon Chicken - one pan chicken that is pan-fried to a golden perfection in a buttery lemon sauce. Easy lemon chicken recipe that is perfect for dinner.

Easy one pan lemon chicken made with chicken thigh pan-fried in buttery lemon sauce.
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How To Make Lemon Chicken

I got a big bag of homegrown lemons from my good friend recently and decided to make this easy and amazing lemon chicken.

I love the light and citrusy flavors of lemon juice, and the natural tastes of the chicken intermingle together with it. It is absolutely delicious.

You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast, or even whole cut up chicken. First, season the chicken with a bit of salt and black pepper, then pan-fry to golden perfection on both sides.

Prepare the lemon sauce by using chicken broth and lemon juice. Finally, let the chicken simmer in the sauce. It’s that easy!

Lemon Chicken, featuring thighs in lemon butter glaze, in a pot.

Ingredients For Lemon Chicken Recipe

Homemade pan fried lemon chicken in a pan.
  • Chicken thighs
  • Unsalted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Chicken broth
  • White wine
  • Lemon juice
  • Parsley

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.


Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon dry out chicken?

Yes, it’s possible for lemon juice to dry out chicken. However, with the use of oil, it counters the drying effect of lemon juice. If this still does not work, feel free to use lemon pepper or lemon zest.

Can I leave chicken in lemon overnight?

Marinate no longer than 2 hours, because the lemon juice can work against the texture. It is recommended to not marinate for this recipe.

How many calories per serving?

This recipe has 585 calories per serving.

Close up of lemon chicken recipe covered in rich lemon butter sauce ready to serve.

What To Serve With Skillet Lemon Chicken

This dish is best served with pasta or rice. For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for new updates.


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4.50 from 32 votes

Skillet Lemon Chicken

Lemon Chicken – one pan chicken pan-fried to golden perfection in buttery lemon sauce. Easy lemon chicken recipe that is perfect for dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
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Ingredients  

  • 2 lbs (1kg) chicken thighs
  • salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon chopped parsley leaves

Instructions 

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a skillet and grease it with olive oil. Pan-fry the chicken on both sides until nicely browned, but not cooked through. Set aside on a plate.
  • Add the butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic. Return the chicken to the skillet (including the juices that have accumulated), followed by the chicken broth, wine, lemon juice, and salt.
  • Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken over at the 5-minute mark. Top with chopped parsley, turn off the heat, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 4people, Calories: 585kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 37g, Fat: 45g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 237mg, Sodium: 484mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please rate and comment below!

About Rasa Malaysia

Bee is a recipe developer and best-selling cookbook author, sharing easy, quick, and delicious Asian and American recipes since 2006. With a strong following of almost 2 million fans online, her expertise has been featured in major publications, TV and radio programs, and live cooking demos throughout the United States and Asia.

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Recipe Rating





41 Comments

  1. JS says:

    I was looking for something to do with 2 lb of skinless, boneless chicken breasts I had that were at the use or lose date in my fridge. As they were three large breasts I cut each in half and dusted them lightly in flour before first browning them to make up for no skin to brown. Followed the rest of the recipe to the letter though…turned out just delicious, a recipe that’s definitely been added to our regular go to easy dinner recipe collection. Tender and juicy, and the garlic cloves turn out soft and buttery, do sautรฉ them enough to soften and lightly brown them and eat them with the chicken!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi JS, so happy that you tried my skillet lemon chicken recipe and loved it. I am so happy. I have many dinner recipes on my site, please check them out here: https://www.666630.xyz/recipes/

  2. Kee says:

    Can I not add wine or beer?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      It’s fine.

  3. Debby says:

    Can chicken breasts and wings be used?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Yes.

  4. HHH says:

    Bogus. Picture shows cloves of garlic in the pan. No garlic mentioned in the recipe.

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      HHH, the recipe clearly stated that 6 cloves garlic, lightly smashed.

  5. Cynthia says:

    I am only interested in Recipes, I am looking for DARK BEEF CURRY RECIPES. I am not interested in any thing else.

    Thank you

  6. Martina says:

    Hi,
    What can I use instead of white wine?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Beer

  7. JP says:

    5 stars
    I made it last night, very good and easy. Husband asked me to make again soon. Thanks Bee.

  8. Viswa says:

    That Sounds Delicious,these looks perfect recipe,i want to try this once in my home..

  9. Roxi says:

    Love that you have included Nutritional Facts! Very nice and helpful addition! Thank you!

  10. Tina S says:

    Excellent! Family requested I make this one again!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Tina, thanks for trying my lemon chicken recipe. :)