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Quick Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This Quick Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken is a bright, herby, and tender weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a balanced lemon and herb sauce, it’s the perfect easy meal for busy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds total)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Optional: extra fresh herbs, lemon slices, red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If uneven in thickness, pound to about ¾-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, combine chopped parsley, rosemary, and thyme. Add lemon zest and mix. Set aside about 1 tablespoon for garnish.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter. Once butter melts, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Add lemon juice and honey, then stir in most of the herb mixture (reserve 1 tablespoon). Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Warm through for about 2 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Sprinkle reserved herb mixture over the top and add lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately with pan sauce.

Notes

Don’t move the chicken too early; let it sear for 5-6 minutes before flipping. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. The honey balances the lemon acidity. Let chicken come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Save some herbs for garnish to add freshness.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon herb chicken, quick chicken dinner, 30-minute meal, easy chicken recipe, zesty chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://sofiaspice.com/quick-zesty-lemon-herb-chicken-easy-30-minute-dinner/