25-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken

Intro

If you’re short on time but still want a flavorful, home-cooked meal, this Lemon Herb Chicken is the perfect solution. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection, then infused with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon-garlic sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is light, refreshing, and pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. It’s a go-to weeknight recipe that feels elegant enough for guests but simple enough for everyday cooking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lemon (juice + zest)

1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt & black pepper to taste

¼ cup chicken broth (or water)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prep Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.

Heat Pan: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.

Cook Chicken: Add chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.

Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add Liquid: Stir in lemon juice, zest, and chicken broth. Simmer 2–3 minutes, scraping up brown bits from the pan.

Combine: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook another 2 minutes to absorb flavors.

Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra lemon slices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Quick Tips

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for faster, even cooking.

For extra richness, add 1 tablespoon butter to the sauce before finishing.

Pairs well with roasted potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh garden salad.