This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe is all about building layers of flavor with just a few simple ingredients. The key is properly browning the chicken first, then creating a bright, garlicky sauce in the same pan to capture all those delicious browned bits. Follow these steps for a foolproof dinner that's sure to become a family favorite.

1. Step 1: Pat chicken dry and pound to even thickness

   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or heavy skillet.

2. Step 2: Season and dredge chicken in flour

   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Place the flour on a plate and lightly dredge each chicken breast, shaking off any excess.

3. Step 3: Cook chicken until golden and cooked through

   Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.

4. Step 4: Sauté garlic until fragrant

   Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

5. Step 5: Deglaze pan with chicken broth

   Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.

6. Step 6: Add lemon and herbs to create sauce

   Add lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Step 7: Return chicken to sauce

   Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to rewarm the chicken and allow it to absorb some of the sauce.

8. Step 8: Plate and garnish

   Serve the chicken breasts on individual plates, spooning extra sauce over each portion. Garnish with lemon slices, fresh parsley, and additional thyme if desired.

Serve this Lemon Garlic Chicken with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For a complete meal, add a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and gently reheated in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth.