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Skillet Lemon Chicken with Buttery Lemon Sauce

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Some nights call for a dinner that feels a little bit fancy without asking much of you, and this one fits the bill perfectly. A quick sear, a bright lemony pan sauce, and dinner is on the table before you know it. It's simple, comforting, and endlessly easy to make your own.
Skillet Lemon Chicken with Buttery Lemon Sauce
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The Story Behind This Dish

A little note from the kitchen.

There's something so satisfying about a skillet dinner that comes together fast but still tastes like you fussed over it, and that's exactly what this dish delivers. Tender chicken gets a golden sear, then gets bathed in a bright, tangy lemon sauce that's rich enough to feel special but simple enough for any night of the week.

The chicken stays juicy and tender thanks to a quick pound to even thickness, while the sauce turns silky and glossy once the cornstarch-broth mixture hits the hot pan. Fresh lemon juice and zest bring the tang, a swirl of chilled butter adds a velvety finish, and a scattering of sliced scallion gives the whole plate a fresh little pop at the end.

This is the kind of recipe you'll want in your back pocket for those evenings when time is short but you still want something that feels like a real, comforting meal. It comes together in one pan, uses ingredients you likely already have, and pairs beautifully with whatever sides your family loves most.

Skillet Lemon Chicken with Buttery Lemon Sauce

COURSE: Main Course DIFFICULTY: Easy
Recipe Thumbnail
PREP TIME 15 mins
COOK TIME 15 mins
TOTAL TIME 30 mins
SERVINGS 1 people

Ingredients

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Directions

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Chef's Note

A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness — chicken breasts are safely cooked once they hit 165°F in the thickest part.

If you have extra time, zest both lemons completely before juicing them, then freeze the leftover zest for the next time you make this dish.

Chicken thighs work well here too, but plan on cooking them a bit longer, closer to 10 minutes per side, since they're a denser cut.

Whisking in the chilled butter at the end is optional, but it gives the sauce a noticeably silkier, richer texture.

Leftovers keep nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days — just reheat gently so the sauce doesn't break.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 960kcal
Protein: 32g
Carbs: 120g
Fat: 40g
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 80mg
Potassium: 400mg

Popular Asked Questions

Q:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A:
Yes, boneless thighs work fine as a swap. They're a bit denser, so give them roughly 10 minutes per side and check that they reach 165°F before serving.
Q:

Why do I need to mix cornstarch into the broth?

A:
The cornstarch acts as a thickener, so once the broth mixture hits the hot pan and simmers, it turns into a thick, glossy sauce instead of staying thin and watery.
Q:

Why do I need to pound the chicken breasts?

A:
Pounding the thicker side helps even out the breast's shape so it cooks through at the same rate as the thinner end, keeping every bite tender instead of dry in spots.
Q:

What goes well with this lemon chicken?

A:
It's flexible enough to serve alongside a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles, so you can pair it with whatever you already have planned.
Q:

Is the butter at the end necessary?

A:
It's optional, but whisking it into the hot sauce right before serving gives it a noticeably glossier look and a rounder, richer flavor.

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