Easy Lemon Chicken (Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner)

This Easy Lemon Chicken is juicy, zesty, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With bright citrus flavor and simple pantry staples, this dish is as healthy as it is delicious.

Gluten Free, Nut Free, Grain Free, Egg Free, Soy Free, Dairy Free

I know you’re bored of your usual chicken recipes, which is why I’m on a mission to share the EASIEST, most FLAVORFUL, juicy and delicious chicken recipes this year.

I want nutritious eating to be approachable, easy, and DOABLE. And *not* getting bored of your food is so important on the way!

On the heels of my popular Balsamic Grilled Chicken, this Easy Lemon Chicken is a delicious follow up. Made similarly, marinating in a bowl (or plastic bag, lets be real), then cooked quickly, it’s infused with so much citrus flavor, but not sour or tart.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a fuss-free dinner, this Easy Lemon Chicken delivers every time. Serve it with rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.

I also made this recipe in chunks or “bites” so it’s more fun to meet your protein goals.

Ingredients Used to Make Easy Lemon Chicken

1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs are the base of the dish, providing lean protein and a neutral base to soak up all the zesty flavor. HOWEVER, you could totally swap in tofu instead for all the flavor, but with a plant-based kick!
2. Olive oil is used to marinate the chicken and lock in flavor. It adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats too!
3. Lemon Juice and Zest adds a fresh, tangy brightness that defines the flavor profile of this dish. Don’t skimp on the zest! A simple microplane (or zester) makes it really easy to zest any lemon.
4. Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic depth and a savory punch. Add more garlic to your liking or skip it if garlic bothers your belly (like it does mine).
5. Dried oregano and basil are a super simple way to add an extra layer of flavor, but straight from your spice drawer.
6. Fresh Parsley isn’t just a garnish in this dish, but offers a burst of freshness to the dish. If you have picky kids who don’t like anything green you can omit it on their pieces of chicken, however, if you’re prepping for yourself, buy the fresh herbs and use them – it makes such a difference to take a boring piece of chicken from meh to wow!

Kitchen Tools Needed to Make Lemon Chicken

• Mixing bowl with lid – these are my favorites!
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Sharp knife
• Tongs or spatula
• Microplane for zesting

How to Make Easy Lemon Chicken

First, you’ll marinate the chicken.

Combine lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano and basil, parsley, salt and pepper and lemon zest. Then add the chicken and toss together. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Then, cook the chicken.

When ready to cook, preheat a large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, spray with nonstick oil cooking spray. Add the chicken to the pan, cooking for 3 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Enjoy!

This recipe truly is that simple. It’s a great weekly staple for when you want new, bright flavors.

FAQs About Easy Lemon Chicken

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
It’s not recommended. Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Plus, you’ll want to add a bit of zest to enhance the citrus notes and improve the overall flavor profile, so grab a lemon on your trip to the store.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.

What sides go well with lemon chicken?
Great options include rice, quinoa, roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple salad.

Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes! Just marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes before grilling. Finish with fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of juice. Unless using a grill basket, you can keep the pieces of chicken larger so they don’t fall through the grates of the grill.

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