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Bright Lemon-Herb Chicken Breast

This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated with lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs, then seared to golden perfection. The pan sauce is built with chicken broth and lemon, resulting in a bright, flavorful finish with a slightly crispy exterior and moist interior. It’s an easy, versatile meal that can be served over rice or greens for a fresh, satisfying bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts preferably skinless and boneless
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced, optional
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth for pan sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 zest of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as parsley and thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon paprika for color and flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast into even, thick slices to ensure they cook uniformly.
  2. Pat the chicken slices dry with paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke.
  4. Place the chicken slices in the hot skillet, spacing them out to prevent overcrowding, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp underneath.
  5. Flip the chicken slices with tongs and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the chicken is cooked through, checking for an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
  6. Add minced garlic (if using) to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, with a gentle sizzle and aroma filling the air.
  7. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to build flavor.
  8. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, basting the chicken with the flavorful pan juices as it thickens slightly.
  9. Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is juicy and tender, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for a bright, herbal finish.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes, then serve slices drizzled with the pan sauce, enjoying the vibrant flavors and crispy edges.
  11. Enjoy your bright, flavorful lemon-herb chicken as a quick, satisfying main dish with rice, greens, or your favorite sides.

Notes

For extra zest, add a pinch of chili flakes or a squeeze of extra lemon before serving. Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, and adjust seasoning to taste.