Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as simple as it is delicious! Our Easy Lemon Rosemary Skillet Chicken is a culinary delight that brings the vibrant flavors of fresh lemon and aromatic rosemary right to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds. With juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection and a zesty garlic-lemon sauce, you won’t believe how effortless it is to create a gourmet meal at home. Dive into our recipe and discover the secret to making your chicken dinners unforgettable!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and half of the chopped fresh rosemary.
- Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote proper browning.
- Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, developing a golden-brown crust.
- Flip chicken breasts and add minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken and sprinkle remaining rosemary during the last minute of cooking.
- Check internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer - it should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Optional: Spoon pan drippings over chicken before serving for extra flavor.
Tips
- Bring to Room Temperature: Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and a juicy result.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning. This step is crucial for achieving a beautifully browned crust.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Make sure to evenly coat both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and rosemary for maximum flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When placing the chicken in the skillet, ensure there’s enough space between each piece. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than browning.
- Monitor Cooking Time: Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed for the first 5-6 minutes on one side. This helps develop that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
- Enhance Flavor with Drippings: For an extra burst of flavor, spoon the pan drippings over the chicken just before serving. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 191kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
