Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet

Name: Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 lemons, juiced and zested; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Light Living Recipes

I absolutely love making this Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet when I need a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. The combination of tender chicken breast, zesty lemon, and savory garlic creates a dish that tantalizes the taste buds while keeping the calorie count in check. Plus, it's all made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy my cravings for something delicious yet healthy.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-23T19:17:37.899Z

When I first tried making this Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet, I knew I wanted a dish that packed flavor without compromising health. Using fresh lemon juice and garlic not only elevates the chicken but brings a brightness that’s hard to resist. I found that marinating the chicken briefly while preparing the veggies enhances the flavor significantly, allowing the lemony goodness to permeate the meat.

One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is its versatility—by swapping out the vegetables, you can take this dish in various directions. I've even added spinach for some extra greens or bell peppers for sweetness. It's such a simple way to keep meals interesting while sticking to healthy ingredients!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavor from fresh lemon and garlic
Nutritious and balanced meal that satisfies hunger
Simple one-pan preparation for easy cleanup
Versatile ingredient choices allow for customization

      

The Role of Marinade

Marinating the chicken is crucial for infusing flavor and ensuring tenderness. The acidic nature of the lemon juice acts to break down the proteins in the chicken, which not only enhances flavor but also keeps the meat juicy during cooking. I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes, but if you have more time, allowing it to sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator can deepen the flavor profile significantly.

For a variation, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or Dijon mustard to the marinade to create a subtly sweet edge, balancing the tartness of the lemon. If you're short on time, even a quick 10-minute soak will still yield a tasty result. Just ensure the chicken is fully coated for maximum flavor absorption.

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Chicken

Achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on your chicken requires both proper heat and timing. Start cooking over medium heat to avoid burning, and watch for a golden hue on the edges before flipping. Each side should take around 6-7 minutes, but remain attentive — using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F will guarantee that your chicken is cooked through without being dry.

If the chicken starts to stick, it may be helpful to gently loosen it with a spatula; this is often a sign that it's ready to flip. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lead to steaming rather than searing. You might need to cook in batches if your skillet isn't large enough.

Vegetable Variations and Serving Suggestions

While broccoli and cherry tomatoes are a fantastic pairing for this dish, feel free to mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for color and texture. These can be added just after the chicken is removed, allowing them to cook in the flavorful broth. You can also switch up the greens – asparagus or green beans work beautifully here. Adjust cooking times slightly if you're using firmer vegetables to ensure everything is tender when served.

For serving, this dish pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or brown rice, which help soak up the delicious sauce created from the chicken broth and marinade. A sprinkle of feta or a dollop of Greek yogurt on top can add a creamy contrast to the zesty chicken, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 lemons, juiced and zested
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Make sure you have everything ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and allow them to marinate for about 15 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once heated, add the marinated chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce and vegetables over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your meal with a side of your favorite grains or a fresh salad!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade. It's a great way to spice things up without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Make-Ahead Options

This Healthy Lemon Garlic Chicken Skillet is perfect for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to develop, giving you a quick cooking option on a busy day. I often prepare the vegetables ahead as well, storing them in an airtight container so they can be popped into the skillet on the spot.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, making it an ideal dish for next-day lunches. Just reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth if the mixture appears dry.

Freezing and Reheating

You can freeze this dish for longer storage, making it a great option for batch cooking. Allow the chicken to cool completely after cooking, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. The dish can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in a skillet, adding a bit of broth to retain moisture.

Keep in mind that while this dish reheats nicely, the vegetables may become softer. For the best texture, consider sautéing fresh vegetables separately as you reheat the chicken. This way, you maintain that crispness that enhances the overall dish.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is as easy as adjusting the quantities of the ingredients while keeping the same ratios. If you're cooking for a larger crowd, you can easily double the quantities. Just ensure your skillet is large enough to accommodate the increased volume, or consider cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding that could lead to uneven cooking.

Conversely, if you need to halve the recipe for one or two servings, simply make adjustments to the marinade ingredients proportionally. Even a smaller batch can be just as flavorful, making this recipe versatile for any occasion, whether it’s a family meal or a solo dinner.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they're fully cooked.

→ What if I don’t have fresh lemons?

You can substitute with bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemons provide the best flavor. If using bottled, use about half the amount since it's more concentrated.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it fresh the next day. The flavors will intensify with extra time in the marinade.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with quinoa, brown rice, or a fresh green salad. The light flavors complement any side nicely.