Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Season and cook thin chicken breasts, make quick pan sauce with garlic, rosemary, wine, broth, and lemon. Done in 25 minutes. Tastes gourmet but super simple.
Clare Greco
Updated on Sun, 16 Feb 2025 14:49:09 GMT
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Lemon Rosemary Chicken | recipesbyclare.com

This lemon rosemary chicken has gotten me through countless dinner parties and rushed weeknight meals. It was actually my mother-in-law who taught me the base recipe - though I've tweaked it over the years (don't tell her!). Every time that rosemary hits the hot pan, the whole kitchen fills with this incredible aroma that gets everyone wandering in to ask what's cooking.

Last month when my best friend dropped by unexpectedly, I whipped this up and she thought I'd been cooking all day. That's the kind of recipe we all need in our back pocket!

Perfect Ingredient Selection

  • Chicken breasts: - go for the thin ones, or do what I do and butterfly the thick ones yourself
  • Fresh rosemary: that you can actually smell through the package
  • Real butter: - this isn't the time for substitutes, trust me
  • Good white wine: (and yes, I pour a glass for the cook)
  • Fresh lemons: - those bottled ones just make me sad

Remember that time I tried to use dried rosemary instead of fresh? My kids still tease me about the 'Christmas tree chicken.'

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Lemon Rosemary Chicken Homemade | recipesbyclare.com

Making The Magic Happen

Start With Heat:
Get your pan nice and hot - but not smoking hot like that first time when I set off all the smoke detectors!
Golden Times:
Let those chicken pieces get all golden and pretty. No peeking or flipping too early!
Garlic and Herbs:
Throw in that garlic and rosemary - this is where the kitchen starts smelling like heaven. My dog always shows up at this point!
Wine Time:
Pour in the wine and watch it sizzle. All those brown bits in the pan? That's where the magic happens. Scrape 'em up!
Butter Makes Better:
Add the butter and let it melt into that sauce. This is usually when my husband appears in the kitchen 'just checking' on dinner.
Bring It Home:
Pop the chicken back in and let it get cozy with that sauce. I always sneak a taste at this point - quality control, right?

The first time I made this, I burnt the garlic black trying to get that perfect Instagram-worthy sear on the chicken. Now I know better - keep an eye on that garlic!

Kitchen Stories

You know those recipes that just feel like home? This is mine. Started making it when we first got married and lived in that tiny apartment with the wonky stove. Even then, it turned out great. Now my daughter helps me make it, though she insists on adding extra lemon 'because it's more fun, Mom!'

Serving It Up

I love serving this over whatever pasta or rice I have around - the sauce is too good to waste! Sometimes I'll grab that crusty bread from the corner bakery just for soaking up every last drop.

Sweet Storage Secrets

Leftovers (if you have any!) go into my favorite glass container. The sauce actually gets better overnight - something about those flavors getting friendly with each other. Just reheat it gently, maybe with a splash of broth if needed.

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Lemon Rosemary Chicken Recipe | recipesbyclare.com

Chef's Real Talk

  • Keep those lemons at room temp - they juice so much better
  • Don't throw away those herbs! Wrap them in damp paper towels and they'll last all week
  • Use the biggest pan you've got - crowded chicken never browns right

Every time I make this chicken, I think about all the dinners it's seen us through - celebrations, comfort meals, and those nights when we just needed something reliable and good. It's not just dinner anymore - it's part of our family story.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this without wine?
Yes, simply replace the wine with an equal amount of additional chicken broth.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Chicken should be golden brown outside and reach 165°F inside, about 2-3 minutes per side for thin-sliced breasts.
→ Can I use dried rosemary instead of fresh?
Yes, but use only 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary as it's more concentrated than fresh.
→ What should I serve with this?
Goes great with rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes to soak up the sauce, plus a green vegetable.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts in a lemony herb sauce with fresh rosemary and garlic - ready in under 30 minutes but tastes like a fancy dinner!

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken breasts)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken & Seasonings

01 4 thin-sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 10-12 cranks fresh-ground black pepper

→ Sauce Ingredients

04 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra if needed
05 4 cloves garlic, minced
06 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
07 ¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
08 ½ cup dry white wine (or extra broth)
09 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
10 2 tablespoons butter

→ Optional Garnishes

11 Extra fresh rosemary
12 Fresh Italian parsley
13 Lemon wedges

Instructions

Step 01

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Step 02

Add a touch more oil to the same pan if needed. Sauté garlic and rosemary for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 03

Pour in broth and wine (if using). Scrape up any browned bits and simmer until sauce reduces and thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in lemon juice and butter, simmer until butter melts. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 05

Return chicken to pan, spoon sauce over each piece. Garnish with herbs and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

  1. Thin-sliced chicken breasts help ensure quick, even cooking
  2. Wine can be replaced with additional chicken broth
  3. Try using lemon pepper seasoning for an easy flavor boost

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife for thin-slicing chicken
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 382
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4 g
  • Protein: 49 g