Classic Easy Chicken Breast Skillet Recipe
This classic easy chicken breast skillet recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken in a flavorful lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Foil
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 breasts), sliced in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken cutlets in a single layer.
- Sear chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tenting loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and cook minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, bring to a simmer, and scrape up browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce the sauce.
- Stir in fresh parsley and thyme into the sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and cook for 1-2 minutes to warm through. Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, do not overcrowd the skillet while searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure a good sear.