One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

If your weeknight dinner rotation needs a reliable, no-fuss recipe, this is it. One pan, one pot of garlicky lemon sauce, and juicy chicken that’s ready before you’ve even finished setting the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort. The lemon and garlic create a bright, savory sauce that coats the chicken perfectly, and since everything cooks in a single pan, cleanup takes minutes, not an hour.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken

1. First Season the chicken. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.

2. Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

3. Build the sauce. Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

4. Simmer everything together. Return the chicken to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has slightly thickened.

5. Finally Serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, spooning extra sauce over the chicken.

Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip the sear — it locks in flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust. If the sauce reduces too quickly, add a splash more broth to keep it from drying out.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken juicy, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, just keep an eye on the cooking time since breasts can dry out faster than thighs.

What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables all pair beautifully with the lemon garlic sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 310 | Protein: 32g | Carbs: 3g | Fat: 18g

Looking for a high-protein breakfast to start your day? Try our Greek Yogurt Protein Pancakes.