French Market Lemon Chicken with Three Simple Ingredients

Lemon chicken is the kind of dinner that makes a short ingredient list feel generous. Thin chicken breasts sear quickly, fresh lemon brightens the pan, and a little garlic and olive oil become a glossy sauce in the same skillet. This French market lemon chicken is ready in about 35 minutes, making it useful for a weeknight meal, a casual lunch, or a simple dinner served with crusty bread.

Why this lemon chicken works

The chicken cooks evenly after being halved horizontally, while lemon juice and slices bring both fresh acidity and gentle aroma. The final simmer lets the meat take on the pan sauce without drying out.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved horizontally
• 2 lemons, one sliced and one juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

How to make lemon chicken

1. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then transfer it to a plate.
3. Add the remaining oil and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the lemon juice and sliced lemon.
4. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for 5 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and coated with the pan sauce.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken with rice, roasted potatoes, or a green salad. Crusty bread is especially helpful for catching the lemon pan sauce.

Tips and an optional variation

Use a quick-read thermometer to check the thickest piece for doneness. Optional: finish the sauce with a small pat of butter for extra richness.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a spoonful of water.

Common questions about lemon chicken

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes. Boneless thighs work well, though they may need a few extra minutes.

What should I serve with lemon chicken?

Rice, potatoes, bread, and crisp vegetables all pair naturally with the citrus sauce.

Can I make it ahead?

You can season the chicken ahead, then sear and sauce it just before serving.

Bright, savory, and uncomplicated, this lemon chicken is a dependable skillet dinner built around ingredients that do real work.

French Market Lemon Chicken with Three Simple Ingredients

This bright lemon chicken turns a few everyday ingredients into a quick skillet dinner with a glossy citrus pan sauce.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

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Ingredients

  

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally
• 2 lemons one sliced, one juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic minced

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
• Add the remaining oil and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the lemon juice and sliced lemon.
• Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer gently for 5 minutes, turning once, until cooked through and coated with the pan sauce.

Notes

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