Quick Chicken Skillet

Quick Chicken Skillet with Lemon Garlic Herb Sauce

This recipe is a perfect weeknight meal, ready in under 30 minutes and requiring just one skillet for easy cleanup!

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Prep the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium and add onions to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Finish the sauce: Stir in the parsley, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add cherry tomatoes, if using, and simmer for an additional minute to warm them through.
6. Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

Tips:

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, and garlic for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
• If your chicken breasts are thin, cook them for 3-4 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can be used instead of boneless, skinless breasts. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes per side, or until the skin is crispy and the juices run clear.
• Serve with your favorite sides, such as rice, pasta, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.