Back-to-school season has a way of making every evening feel rushed. Between work, classes, practices, homework and trying to remember what day it is, dinner needs to be quick, easy and made with ingredients you can actually find.
This 20-minute lemon garlic chicken checks every box. It is bright, savory and satisfying, with very little prep and only one skillet to clean.
The secret is our Garlic-Infused Olive Oil, which adds plenty of rich garlic flavor without having to peel or mince a single clove. Fresh lemon keeps the dish light and adds just enough acidity to bring everything together.
Whether you are feeding a busy family, cooking between college classes or simply trying to avoid another night of takeout, this is a recipe worth keeping in your weekly rotation.
20-Minute Lemon Garlic Chicken
Serves: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
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1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
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2 tablespoons Lowcountry Olive Oil Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Juice of 1 large lemon
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¼ cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 teaspoon honey, optional
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Fresh parsley, optional
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Lemon slices for serving, optional
Instructions
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If you are using large chicken breasts, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.
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Pat the chicken dry, then season both sides with the Italian seasoning, salt and black pepper.
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Heat the Garlic-Infused Olive Oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Lower the heat to medium and add the lemon juice, chicken broth, butter and honey to the same skillet.
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Stir while gently scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.
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Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the lemon garlic sauce over the top.
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Finish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, then serve immediately.
What to Serve With It
This chicken works with almost anything you already have in the kitchen. Serve it with:
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Microwave rice or quinoa
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Pasta tossed with a little Garlic-Infused Olive Oil
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Roasted or frozen vegetables
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A simple side salad
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Mashed potatoes
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Toasted bread for soaking up the lemon garlic sauce
For an especially easy dinner, add a bag of steam-in-the-bag vegetables and microwave rice. Dinner is done, and you still only have one skillet to wash.
Easy Swaps
No chicken breasts? Chicken tenders are an excellent choice and may cook even faster.
You can also use boneless chicken thighs, although they may need a few additional minutes in the skillet.
For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream after adding the broth. For extra vegetables, add a handful of spinach during the final minute of cooking and let it wilt into the sauce.
Make It Ahead
Cook the chicken and sauce as directed, then store them together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
It is perfect for packing into lunch containers with rice and vegetables. When reheating, add a small splash of broth or water to help loosen the sauce.
Big Flavor Without the Extra Work
Garlic makes almost everything better, but chopping it on a busy weeknight is one more task—and one more cutting board—that you may not have time for.
Lowcountry Olive Oil’s Garlic-Infused Olive Oil gives this recipe deep, savory flavor from the very first step. It makes a simple chicken dinner taste special without adding extra prep time.
Twenty minutes, one skillet and a dinner the whole household can enjoy. That is exactly the kind of recipe back-to-school season calls for.