Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier results)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tablespoons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Pat your chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them sear properly and develop that golden crust. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and a touch of chili flakes if you’re using them. Let them sit at room temperature while you prep the rest of your ingredients.
Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked yet — it’ll finish in the sauce.
In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it — garlic goes from golden to bitter fast!
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard if using. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Place the seared chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and spoon some sauce over the top of each piece. Cover and let it simmer gently for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Spoon extra sauce over each piece before serving. Pair with your favorite side and dig in!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g