15-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet that transforms busy weeknights into delicious dining experiences without the fuss. This Quick Healthy Dinner Recipe has become my family’s go-to when time is tight but we don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition.
When the clock is ticking and hungry family members are asking “what’s for dinner?”, this lemon herb chicken skillet saves the day every time. The bright citrus notes paired with fragrant herbs create a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for those evenings when you need something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Nutritional Benefits
This 15-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet isn’t just quick and delicious—it’s also packed with nutrients that make it a wholesome choice for your family. The lean protein from chicken helps with muscle maintenance, while the herbs and lemon provide essential vitamins and antioxidants.
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 275 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb boneless chicken breasts | Main protein | Chicken thighs, turkey cutlets |
| 2 tbsp olive oil | Cooking fat | Avocado oil, butter |
| 3 garlic cloves, minced | Flavor base | 1 tsp garlic powder |
| 1 lemon (juice and zest) | Acidity and brightness | 2 tbsp bottled lemon juice + 1 tsp zest |
| 1 tbsp fresh thyme | Aromatic herb | 1 tsp dried thyme |
| 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped | Aromatic herb | 1 tsp dried rosemary |
| 1 tsp dried oregano | Flavor enhancer | Italian seasoning blend |
| ½ cup chicken broth | Creates sauce | Vegetable broth, white wine |
| Salt and pepper to taste | Seasoning | Seasoned salt, lemon pepper |
| Fresh parsley for garnish | Color and freshness | Cilantro, basil, or omit |
Equipment Needed
– 12-inch skillet or frying pan (cast iron works great)
– Sharp knife
– Cutting board
– Measuring spoons
– Zester or fine grater
– Tongs for flipping chicken
– Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re thick, slice them horizontally or pound to even ½-inch thickness for faster cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot and shimmering, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Sear the chicken: Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving them to get a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side.
4. Add aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan, stirring carefully for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Create the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and sprinkle in the herbs (thyme, rosemary, and oregano). Add lemon zest and stir to combine.
6. Finish cooking: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced and the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The 15-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet is a Quick Healthy Dinner Recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon slices if desired. Spoon the sauce over the chicken when serving.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Chicken cooking unevenly? Make sure your chicken pieces are uniform in thickness.
– Sauce too tangy? Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity.
– Need more sauce? Double the broth and lemon juice amounts.
– For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking if you have time.
– One-pan meal upgrade: Add cherry tomatoes and spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
– Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
– Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
– Meal prep: Slice raw chicken and combine herbs ahead of time. Store separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Conclusion
This 15-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet proves that delicious, healthy meals don’t require hours in the kitchen. With its bright flavors and simple preparation, it’s become my reliable solution for hectic weeknights when I need a Quick Healthy Dinner Recipe that satisfies everyone at the table.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility—pair it with a quick salad, some roasted vegetables, or serve over rice or pasta for a complete meal. The herb and lemon combination creates a sauce that elevates the humble chicken breast into something truly special.
FAQ
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook (about 20-25 minutes total), so it wouldn’t be a 15-minute meal anymore, but the flavors would still be delicious.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Good news—this recipe is already dairy-free as written! Just make sure to use olive oil rather than butter.
What sides pair well with this chicken?
Quick-cooking sides like couscous, steamed vegetables, or a simple green salad work perfectly to maintain the fast meal prep time.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but you may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which would steam rather than sear the meat.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 6g of carbohydrates per serving, this fits well within most keto eating plans.
Follow me on Pinterest for more 15-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Skillet. If you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll also love my Sheet Pan Dinners that follow the same philosophy of maximum flavor with minimum effort!
