Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet Delightful Quick Meal

Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 pieces lemons, zest and juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; to taste salt and pepper; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups baby spinach; for garnish fresh parsley

October 20, 2025October 11, 2025 by lisa

Looking for a quick and tasty dinner? This Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet is your answer! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Imagine tender chicken cooked in a zesty sauce with bright cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Whether you’re a busy parent or a novice cook, this dish serves up delight in no time. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to impress!

Why I Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: This recipe combines zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, infusing the chicken with a bright and delicious flavor that’s hard to resist.
Quick and Easy:
One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one skillet, making it a convenient choice for any home cook.
Nutritious Ingredients: With lean chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, this dish not only tastes great but is also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 3 tablespoons olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

Flavor Enhancers

– Zest and juice of 2 lemons

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 1 teaspoon paprika

Supporting Ingredients

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 2 cups baby spinach

– Fresh parsley for garnish

When I cook Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet, I love the bright flavors. The chicken breasts are the star. I choose boneless and skinless ones for quick cooking. The olive oil gives a nice, rich base. I always use fresh garlic. It adds a kick and warmth.

Lemon zest brings a fresh taste. You’ll love the aroma as it cooks. I add lemon juice for a tart twist. Dried oregano and paprika balance the dish nicely. They add depth without overpowering.

For a complete meal, I use supporting ingredients. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Chicken broth adds moisture and richness. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. Baby spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. Don’t forget fresh parsley! It adds a lovely finish.

Gathering these ingredients makes cooking fun and easy. You can find them all at your local store. Enjoy the process of making this dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Chicken

First, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Creating the Sauce

In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells really good, but be careful not to let it burn. Next, add the zest and juice of 2 lemons to the skillet. Then, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together while scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor to your sauce.

Final Assembly

Bring the broth to a simmer. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cover the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chicken with the lemon garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Chicken

To make sure your chicken cooks evenly, start with a flat piece. Use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness. This helps it cook through at the same rate. Season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. This mix brings out the best flavors. Don’t be shy with the spices; they make a big difference.

Enhancing Flavor

Try adding your favorite herbs. Fresh thyme or basil pairs well with lemon. Use fresh ingredients when you can, as they add more flavor. Dried herbs work too, but fresh will give a brighter taste. When using fresh garlic, chop it just before cooking. This keeps the flavor strong and aromatic.

Presentation Tips

For plating, use a large white plate to show off the dish. Place the chicken in the center, then spoon the lemon garlic sauce over it. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach around the chicken. This creates a colorful dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes!

Pro Tips

Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and fresh parsley to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.
Adjust Lemon to Taste: If you’re a fan of tanginess, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to the sauce for an extra citrus kick.
Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Variations

Different Proteins

You can easily swap chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet touch. Just sauté the shrimp in the same way as you did with the chicken. Cook them until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. Another option is using tofu for a vegetarian dish. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the cubes until golden. Both options give a new twist to the recipe.

Flavor Profiles

To kick up the heat, add red pepper flakes. Sprinkle them in while cooking the garlic. This small change will give the dish a nice kick. You can also try different citrus flavors. Swap lemon for lime or orange. Each fruit brings its unique taste, making the dish exciting and fresh.

Side Dish Pairings

This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa. Both grains soak up the lemon sauce nicely. You can also serve a salad on the side. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness. Mixing these sides balances the meal and makes it more filling.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You should refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Proper storage helps maintain flavor and safety. The recommended shelf life is about three to four days. Enjoy it while it’s still tasty!

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This method warms the chicken without drying it out. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish to keep moisture in. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.

Recipe Scaling

If you want to cook more, just double the ingredients. This way, you can feed a larger group. Use the same cooking steps for more portions. For meal prep, consider cooking in batches. This saves time and makes meals ready for the week.

FAQs

How long does this dish take to prepare?

This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the chicken and sauce takes up the rest of the time. This quick meal fits well into a busy weeknight schedule.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just remember, bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety.

What can I substitute for chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, try vegetable broth as a great alternative. You can also use water with seasoning to add flavor. Stock is another option that works well. Each choice will still give you a tasty sauce.

This dish combines simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and fresh veggies. Cooking methods bring out great flavors, especially with lemon and herbs. Remember to plate it nicely for an impressive look. You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste or use different proteins. Proper storage helps maintain freshness. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Try it out; you might find a new favorite dis

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 2 lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - Fresh parsley for garnish When I cook Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet, I love the bright flavors. The chicken breasts are the star. I choose boneless and skinless ones for quick cooking. The olive oil gives a nice, rich base. I always use fresh garlic. It adds a kick and warmth. Lemon zest brings a fresh taste. You’ll love the aroma as it cooks. I add lemon juice for a tart twist. Dried oregano and paprika balance the dish nicely. They add depth without overpowering. For a complete meal, I use supporting ingredients. Salt and pepper are key for flavor. Chicken broth adds moisture and richness. Cherry tomatoes burst with sweetness. Baby spinach gives a pop of color and nutrients. Don’t forget fresh parsley! It adds a lovely finish. Gathering these ingredients makes cooking fun and easy. You can find them all at your local store. Enjoy the process of making this dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until it turns golden brown. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. In the same skillet, add 4 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it smells really good, but be careful not to let it burn. Next, add the zest and juice of 2 lemons to the skillet. Then, pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together while scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor to your sauce. Bring the broth to a simmer. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cover the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, add 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chicken with the lemon garlic sauce, tomatoes, and spinach on top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch! To make sure your chicken cooks evenly, start with a flat piece. Use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness. This helps it cook through at the same rate. Season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. This mix brings out the best flavors. Don’t be shy with the spices; they make a big difference. Try adding your favorite herbs. Fresh thyme or basil pairs well with lemon. Use fresh ingredients when you can, as they add more flavor. Dried herbs work too, but fresh will give a brighter taste. When using fresh garlic, chop it just before cooking. This keeps the flavor strong and aromatic. For plating, use a large white plate to show off the dish. Place the chicken in the center, then spoon the lemon garlic sauce over it. Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach around the chicken. This creates a colorful dish. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of green. This makes your meal look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh garlic and fresh parsley to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Adjust Lemon to Taste: If you're a fan of tanginess, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to the sauce for an extra citrus kick. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad to complete your meal. {{image_2}} You can easily swap chicken for shrimp. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet touch. Just sauté the shrimp in the same way as you did with the chicken. Cook them until they turn pink, about 3-4 minutes per side. Another option is using tofu for a vegetarian dish. Press the tofu to remove water, then cube it. Sauté the cubes until golden. Both options give a new twist to the recipe. To kick up the heat, add red pepper flakes. Sprinkle them in while cooking the garlic. This small change will give the dish a nice kick. You can also try different citrus flavors. Swap lemon for lime or orange. Each fruit brings its unique taste, making the dish exciting and fresh. This dish pairs well with rice or quinoa. Both grains soak up the lemon sauce nicely. You can also serve a salad on the side. A simple green salad with vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness. Mixing these sides balances the meal and makes it more filling. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You should refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. Proper storage helps maintain flavor and safety. The recommended shelf life is about three to four days. Enjoy it while it’s still tasty! To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. This method warms the chicken without drying it out. You can also use the microwave. Cover the dish to keep moisture in. For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. If you want to cook more, just double the ingredients. This way, you can feed a larger group. Use the same cooking steps for more portions. For meal prep, consider cooking in batches. This saves time and makes meals ready for the week. This dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You need around 10 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the chicken and sauce takes up the rest of the time. This quick meal fits well into a busy weeknight schedule. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just remember, bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F for safety. If you don’t have chicken broth, try vegetable broth as a great alternative. You can also use water with seasoning to add flavor. Stock is another option that works well. Each choice will still give you a tasty sauce. This dish combines simple ingredients like chicken, garlic, and fresh veggies. Cooking methods bring out great flavors, especially with lemon and herbs. Remember to plate it nicely for an impressive look. You can adjust this recipe to fit your taste or use different proteins. Proper storage helps maintain freshness. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Try it out; you might find a new favorite dish.$