Lemon Garlic Chicken is a one pan recipe that can be made in just 25 minutes. It’s incredibly flavorful and kid-friendly. This recipe is low carb, keto friendly, and gluten free.
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Lemon, garlic, and chicken are a delicious trio of flavors. There are so many different ways to enjoy this zesty combination.
My recipe for Creamy Lemon Chicken and Cauliflower has been very popular with those of you looking to cut carbs and calories.
I’ve also shared a recipe for Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice and Lemon Garlic Chicken and Orzo for those of you who do enjoy carbs.
This recipe for Lemon Garlic Chicken is full of the same lemony garlic flavor but allows for you to pick and choose your own side dishes to serve with it.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. It’s perfect for when you’re short on time, but still want a super flavorful healthy dinner. It’s all made in one pan so clean up is quick and easy too!
This is an easy family-friendly meal that kids love as much as adults.
As written the recipe is low carb, keto diet friendly, and naturally gluten free.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken
What You Need to Make This Recipe
To make this recipe you will need chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred), chicken stock, a lemon, a shallot, garlic, heavy cream, parsley, butter, salt, and pepper.
Tip: try to find smaller or thinner chicken breasts. Thicker cuts of chicken will need to be finished in the oven, which will take a little bit longer.
Full ingredient amounts and printable instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Prep!
Mince the garlic, shallot, and parsley. Zest and juice a lemon.
Create!
Melt half of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season both sides of the chicken with the salt and pepper and add to the skillet.
Cook on the first side for 4-6 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
Tip: the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F and no longer be pink in the center. See the notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of this post for how to finish larger chicken breasts in the oven.
Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Melt the remaining butter in the same skillet, then add the garlic and shallots.
Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until translucent, scraping up any brown bits.
Pour in the chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy whipping cream.
Bring to a boil until reduced by half and thickened, about 2 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer.
Place the chicken back in the pan, spooning the lemon garlic sauce over it. Heat until warmed through.
Present!
Garnish with the parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- Chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. If your chicken breasts are larger, they may need to be finished in the oven. Cook the chicken as instructed in the directions. After replacing it back in the pan with the sauce, transfer it to the oven preheated to 350°F until it’s finished cooking. The time needed will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time will vary depending on the how thick they are.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
FAQ’s
What Do You Serve With Lemon Garlic Chicken?
Lemon Garlic Chicken can be paired with so many side dishes. Try it with rice, orzo pasta, or mashed potatoes. Vegetables that pair well with this dish include broccoli, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
How Do You Know When Chicken Is Done Cooking?
Chicken is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink in the center. You can use an oven thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest part of the chicken to check the temperature.
More Garlic Chicken Recipes to Try
Can’t get enough garlicky chicken? I don’t blame you!
Try out this Easy Garlic Chicken. It’s a great go-to recipe when you’re not sure what to make. It’s made with simple ingredients you may already have on hand.
You might also enjoy this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe or switch things up a bit with these crispy, sweet and spicy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
Love this Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!
Lemon Garlic Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter * divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 4 cloves garlic * minced
- 1 shallot * minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- zest from one lemon
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup parsley * minced
- lemon slices * optional
Instructions
- Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season both sides of the chicken with the salt and pepper and add to the skillet.
- Cook for 4-6 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. See notes for how to finish larger chicken breasts in the oven.
- Remove the chicken and place on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet.
- Once melted, add the garlic and shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes until translucent, scraping up any brown bits.
- Pour in the chicken stock, lemon juice, lemon zest, and heavy whipping cream.
- Bring to a boil until reduced by half and thickened, about 2 minutes, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Place the chicken back in the pan to warm, spooning the lemon garlic sauce over it.
- Garnish with the parsley and lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- Chicken needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. If your chicken breasts are larger, they may need to be finished in the oven. Cook the chicken as instructed in the directions. After replacing it back in the pan with the sauce, transfer it to the oven preheated to 350°F until it’s finished cooking. The time needed will depend on the thickness of the chicken.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. The cooking time will vary depending on the how thick they are.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3 days.
Gina says
This was delicious, the only thing I did different was I added three mushrooms sliced.
Lauren Vavala says
Awesome to hear! Thank you!
– Lauren
Andrea Metlika says
This looks marvelous. I love how creamy and flavorful this is.
Peter | Who Noms the World says
AAAABSOLUTELY stunning photos. The cream sauce is to diiie for. Also, the fact it’s just a one pan meal is the reason why this is so easy and a must make! Of course, the lemon, garlic, and butter combo is a great reason too. Great recipe!
Lauren Vavala says
Thank you so much!!
Jen says
I served this with angel hair pasta and my family devoured it! Loved how quickly it all came together.
Lauren Vavala says
Awesome! Thank you!
Jas @ All that's Jas says
So creamy and flavorful! My family loved it. 🙂
Lauren Vavala says
So glad to hear this!
Julia says
I am always on the lookout for easy weeknight dinners and this is definitely one of them! Plus, it’s easy and delicious!