Lemon Herb Chicken – Bright, Buttery, and Bursting with Flavor

This Lemon Herb Chicken is marinated in olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then pan-seared in butter for a juicy, golden finish. Topped with fresh parsley and lemon juice, it's a fast and flavorful dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Herb Chicken

If you're looking for a go-to chicken recipe that’s light yet flavorful, quick yet impressive, and easy enough for weeknights but elegant enough for guests—this is it.

This Lemon Herb Chicken is:

• 🌿 Loaded with flavor from garlic, herbs, Dijon, and lemon

• 🍋 Bright and fresh thanks to fresh parsley and citrus

• 🍗 Tender and juicy from a quick marinate and butter-searing

• 🕒 Ready in under 30 minutes (plus marinate time)

• 🍽️ Incredibly versatile—great with pasta, rice, salads, or roasted veggies

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe is intentional. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish taste so good:

Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast

Using thinly sliced chicken breasts helps ensure they cook quickly and evenly, giving you a golden crust without drying out the meat.

Tip: If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half horizontally or gently pound them to about ½ inch thickness.

Onion Powder (1 tsp)

Adds a sweet, subtle depth without overpowering the dish. It complements the garlic powder beautifully.

Garlic Powder (1 tsp)

Brings a mellow, well-rounded garlic flavor that distributes evenly across the chicken.

Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)

A staple herb blend that usually includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—this adds earthy, herbaceous flavor to balance the lemon.

Crushed Red Pepper (½ tsp)

Adds just a touch of heat and depth. Not too spicy, but enough to keep things interesting.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Enhances all the other flavors—season generously, especially after cooking.

Olive Oil (3 tbsp)

The base of the marinade. It helps carry all the seasonings onto the chicken and ensures a good sear when it hits the pan.

Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp)

The secret flavor booster! Dijon adds tang, depth, and a little creaminess to the marinade, helping everything cling to the chicken.

Butter (2 tbsp)

Used for cooking the chicken—adds richness, helps with browning, and brings that silky restaurant-quality finish.

Fresh Parsley (for topping)

Adds freshness, color, and that herby final touch. Chop it just before serving for best flavor.

Lemon Juice (½ lemon)

Brings brightness and acidity that lifts the whole dish. Squeeze it on just before serving to avoid bitterness from overcooking.

Optional: Add a few thin lemon slices to the pan during cooking for extra flair and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is easy, breezy, and so flavorful. Here’s exactly how to make it:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix together:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper

• Salt & pepper to taste

Add in your thinly sliced chicken breast, tossing until fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.

Shortcut Tip: If you’re in a rush, let it marinate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes while you prep sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and slightly foamy, add the marinated chicken in a single layer.

Cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the outside is golden brown.

Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed to get that perfect sear.

Step 3: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Turn off the heat and immediately squeeze juice from ½ a lemon over the chicken. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Optional: Drizzle with a little extra olive oil for a glossy finish.

Step 4: Serve

Serve warm with your favorite sides! This lemon herb chicken goes beautifully with rice, pasta, couscous, roasted vegetables, or even on top of a fresh salad.

What to Serve With Lemon Herb Chicken

Here are a few favorite pairing ideas:

• Garlic Butter Pasta or Lemon Orzo

• Mashed Potatoes or Rice Pilaf

• Roasted Asparagus, Zucchini, or Broccolini

• Caprese Salad or a Simple Garden Salad

• Couscous with herbs and a touch of feta

Make it a full meal: Add sautéed mushrooms, artichokes, or cherry tomatoes to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.

Tips for Success

✅ Use thin chicken breasts – For fast, even cooking and maximum flavor.
✅ Let it marinate – Even 30 minutes helps infuse flavor.
✅ Sear over medium-high heat – For that perfect golden crust.
✅ Finish with lemon OFF the heat – Keeps it bright and not bitter.
✅ Don’t skip the butter – It creates that rich, glossy finish.

Variations

This recipe is endlessly adaptable! Try these fun spins:

🧄 Add fresh garlic – Mince 2 cloves and cook with the butter for more garlicky depth.
🍋 Double the lemon – Add lemon zest to the marinade or top with lemon slices while searing.
🌿 Swap the herbs – Try thyme, rosemary, or basil in place of Italian seasoning.
🥒 Make it Mediterranean – Serve with olives, cucumbers, and feta.
🍗 Try chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs also work beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

• Store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

• Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or lemon juice, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

• Freeze: Freeze the cooked chicken in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish brings together everything you want in a weeknight dinner—quick prep, pantry-staple ingredients, and tons of flavor.

The olive oil and Dijon-based marinade gives the chicken a bold, herby base, while butter and lemon add depth and brightness. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple enough for any night of the week, but delicious enough to impress company.

You can dress it up with elegant sides or keep it casual with a side salad. Either way, it’s a no-fuss, no-fail winner.

Yield: 4

Author: CookSnapBake.com

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Lemon Herb Chicken

This Lemon Herb Chicken is marinated in olive oil, Dijon mustard, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then pan-seared in butter for a juicy, golden finish. Topped with fresh parsley and lemon juice, it's a fast and flavorful dinner you’ll want on repeat.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 40 Min

Ingredients

• 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ lemon, juiced
• Fresh parsley, for topping

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, and seasonings.
2. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add chicken and cook for 3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
5. Turn off heat, squeeze lemon juice over top, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
6. Serve with your favorite side dish.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cooksnapbake on instagram and hashtag it #Lemon Herb Chicken

If you try this Lemon Herb Chicken, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
💬 Leave a comment, ⭐ rate the recipe, or tag me on Instagram [@yourhandle]—I love seeing your creations in your kitchen!

📌 Don’t forget to pin this recipe to your quick weeknight dinners or healthy chicken dishes board. It’s one you’ll make again and again!