Easy Lemon Chicken Breast Recipe

By Rena Awada | Updated On July 23, 2022

This super easy, lemon chicken breast recipe is made on the stovetop within minutes and will satisfy anyone’s craving. Bright lemon juice and savory chicken broth are combined and layered with tender seasoned chicken breasts.

one skillet with lemon chicken breast recipe with dill and lemon wedges


These Easy lemon chicken breasts are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm hearty dinner. Made in very few steps in a skillet over medium heat, this chicken recipe will wow yourself and others. Who doesn’t love tender chicken filled with bright lemon flavors?

Tender chicken is nestled over a savory warm sauce packed with bright citrus and fresh dill for the best fresh flavors. We love to serve this chicken all on its own or with a big bowl of fresh pasta–both options are delicious and wholesome.

This recipe is ideal for family dinners because it is so kid-friendly; anyone will love it! We love this recipe because it comes together so simply. It’s great for those nights when you don’t really know what to prepare.

lemon chicken breast recipe in skillet with fresh dill and green onions

Why This Easy Lemon Chicken is the Best

You will not have any other lemon chicken breast like this recipe. It’s so good!

  • Quick and simple: This chicken recipe is so easy to make and doesn’t take many steps at all! You will love how quickly this recipe comes together. Great for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to prepare dinner.
  • Delicious and filled with flavor: Bright citrus and garlic are absorbed into the chicken and savory sauce to create the ultimate flavors. The chicken is ultra-tender and cooked until perfection.
  • Ready on the stovetop: This recipe is perfect because it’s made on the stovetop in one skillet. Forget all the other pans and preheating the oven. You can make this in your favorite single pan.

Ingredients you will need for this juicy chicken breast recipe

This tender chicken recipe uses kitchen staple ingredients you may already have! The ingredients and simple and very straightforward. Very easy to find at most grocery stores, too.

chicken cutlets, chicken broth, green onions, flour, oil, salt, pepper, lemons, garlic, dill, green onions on grey surface

Chicken cutlets: Thin chicken cutlets are used for a quick cook time. You can also use chicken breasts but be sure to butterfly them.
Italian seasoning: Aromatic Italian seasoning coats the chicken and gives it robust flavors. You can use store-bought Italian seasoning or make your own with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
Salt and pepper: Kosher sea salt and black pepper give the chicken extra bold flavors. Season to your preference.
Flour: All-purpose flour covers the chicken as it cooks in the oil to give it a golden crunch.
Oil: Olive oil is used to cook the chicken in the skillet. You want to make sure the oil gets hot enough in the pan before cooking the chicken.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is absorbed by the lemon sauce and tastes extra savory and delicious. Garlic powder can be used, but we suggest fresh garlic.
Lemon: You will need both lemon juice and wedges for this easy, lemon chicken recipe. The lemon wedges are for serving and are highly recommended.
Chicken broth: Savory chicken broth is used for the base of the sauce. You can use homemade broth or storebought.
Fresh dill: Leafy, green fresh dill is used for its bright flavors and adds aromatic elements to this chicken recipe.
Green onions: Sliced green onions bring all the flavors together and provide additional fresh flavors.

How to Make This Healthy Lemon Chicken Recipe

This recipe is so easy; we can’t get enough of it. The family will love it and so will you!

First, separate all of the ingredients so they are easy to grab when you need them. Be sure to measure everything.

Next, season the chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken cutlet into a bowl of flour. Be sure to evenly coat the chicken.

chicken cutlets in skillet with seasoning

Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil gets hot enough. Next, cook the chicken in small batches until each culet is golden and cooked on both sides.

Set the chicken cutlets aside on a plate while you prepare the creamy sauce.

Next, add the lemon juice and chicken broth to the pan. Be sure to scrape off the brown pieces from the bottom of the skillet with a spatula.

cooking the chicken cutlets in chicken broth in skillet with tongs

As soon as the broth starts to bubble, stir in the freshly chopped dill and return the chicken back to the pan. Coat the chicken with the sauce.

Sprinkle the cooked chicken with green onions and remove it from heat. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.

Enjoy! Serve warm for the best flavors.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Follow these recipe notes and tips for optimal results!

  • Be sure to cook the chicken until golden and done. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • Meal prep this chicken recipe for lunches during the week.
  • Use fresh dill if accessible. Dried dill does not have the same flavors fresh dill has.
one skillet with lemon chicken breasts and lemon wedges

What to Serve With This Lemon Chicken recipe

You can serve this lemon chicken with so many different side dishes and options. This chicken breast recipe is versatile and tasty with all sorts of foods! Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve with lemon chicken:

Italian Pasta Salad

Oven Roasted Veggies

Cucumber Onion Salad Recipe

Greek Quinoa Salad Bowl

Easy Three Bean Salad Recipe

Frequently asked questions

Is it OK to marinate chicken in lemon juice?

Yes. You can marinate chicken in lemon juice for up to 2 hours. It is not recommended to marinate chicken in lemon juice for longer because the acidity will break down the protein/texture of the chicken and you end up with tough and rubbery chicken when cooked.

How do you make chicken soft and juicy?

It is recommended to always marinate the chicken if you can for at least 30 minutes. The key is not to cook the chicken over high heat and too quickly. Overcooking the chicken will result in a tough and rubbery chicken. After you cook the chicken on one side over medium-high heat for 3 minutes or so, flip on the other side and reduce the heat. Let it cook slowly for another 3 minutes. Depending on the thickness of the chicken.

How do you know when pan-seared chicken is done?

Depending on the thickness and size of the chicken breast, you can cook the chicken breast anywhere between 3-5 minutes per side. The best way to check for doneness is to use a thermometer and check the internal temperature until it reaches 165F.

skillet with lemon chicken breasts and lemon wedges

Other Recipes You’ll Love

If you love this chicken recipe, then you will love the easy chicken recipes below!

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top view lemon chicken breasts in a white pan with lemon garnishes

Easy Lemon Chicken Recipe

Bright lemon juice and savory chicken broth are combined and layered with tender seasoned chicken breasts.
5 from 8 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 237kcal
Author: Rena

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken cutlets
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Kosher sea salt to taste
  • Kosher black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons flour any flour would work
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided, or avocado oil
  • 3-4 garlic cloves chopped
  • 3 lemons juiced; 1 for serving
  • ¼ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced

Instructions

  • Season the chicken cutlets with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then dredge them into the flour.
  • Heat the oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through on both sides.
  • Set aside.
  • To the same pan add the remaining oil and quickly saute the garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Add the lemon juice and chicken broth and scrape off the brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  • As soon as it starts to bubble, stir in the dill and return the chicken back into the pan. 
  • Sprinkle with green onions and remove from heat. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Notes

  • You may use boneless and skinless chicken thighs
  • Use another protein like salmon or shrimp
  • Any other oil works, try avocado oil in place of olive oil.
  • If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth
  • For a KETO approved meal, skip the flour or use arrow root powder 

Nutrition

Calories: 237kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 139mg | Potassium: 581mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 136IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. San Diego Mom says

    5 stars
    Delicious and so quick and easy. I had everything here except for fresh dill. Just used the green onion and garlic and it was so fresh and yummy. The lemon flavor really comes through. Great over pasta.

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