Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?

You can, but fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness and zing that fresh lemons bring to Lemon Garlic Chicken . If you’re in a pinch, bottled works—but always choose 100% pure lemon juice without additives.

How do I keep the garlic from burning?

Ah, the garlic struggle is real! To avoid burning, sauté garlic over medium heat and add it only after your oil or butter has warmed up. Burnt garlic turns bitter fast, which can throw off the entire taste of your Lemon Garlic Chicken . You can also add a splash of broth or lemon juice just before it browns to cool the pan slightly.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

The beauty of Lemon Garlic Chicken is its flexibility. Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly, while chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. If you’re grilling, go with thighs. For skillet meals, both cuts work great.

Can I make Lemon Garlic Chicken in the oven?

Absolutely! Oven-baked Lemon Garlic Chicken turns out tender and flavorful with minimal effort. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) , place your marinated chicken in a baking dish, and roast for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor

Lemon Garlic Chicken – Juicy & Easy Dinner in 30 Minutes

Description

This Lemon Garlic Chicken is juicy, zesty, and incredibly easy to prepare. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful dinner packed with citrus, garlic, and herbs—a perfect go-to meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts (or 4 chicken thighs)
3 tablespoons olive oil
5 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 2 lemons
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh parsley)
1/4 cup chicken broth (optional for pan sauce)
1 tablespoon butter (optional for finishing sauce)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and coat well. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side.
Add marinade or broth to the pan and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
Stir in butter at the end if desired, and spoon sauce over the chicken.
Serve with your favorite side and garnish with fresh herbs or extra lemon zest.

Notes

You can use boneless thighs for juicier results.
Add a splash of white wine or a bit of honey for extra flavor depth.
Great for meal prep—just store in airtight containers with veggies or rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Sautéing / Pan-cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: lemon garlic chicken, garlic butter chicken, healthy chicken dinner, lemon chicken recipe, easy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken