Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets
Sometimes, you just need dinner on the table—fast—but without sacrificing flavor or that cozy, “homemade” feeling. That’s where these Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets come in. Picture this: golden, juicy chicken sizzling in the pan, fragrant garlic filling the kitchen, and a zesty splash of lemon that makes everything pop. It’s the kind of meal that feels elegant enough for a dinner party, yet simple enough for a Tuesday night when you’re juggling a million things.
Trust me, this one’s going to be your new weeknight hero. The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, with pantry staples you probably already have. And the best part? That garlicky, lemony pan sauce that you’ll want to spoon over everything—veggies, rice, potatoes, you name it.
Recipe Origin
This dish takes inspiration from classic Mediterranean flavors—garlic, lemon, and parsley. These are the simple but powerful ingredients that make food taste fresh, light, and irresistible. Think of it as a simplified version of chicken piccata, minus the capers, but with the same punchy brightness and comforting richness.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Tongs or spatula for flipping the chicken
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small whisk or spoon for mixing the sauce
Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets are juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Seasoned with garlic, lemon, and parsley, they make the perfect easy weeknight dinner that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee (regular or vegan)
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup chicken stock or broth
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley)
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into cutlets if desired for quicker cooking.
- Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken cutlets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and chicken stock, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly reduces.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use thin cutlets for even cooking and less time on the stove.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: garlic chicken cutlets, sautéed chicken breast, lemon garlic chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken recipe
Why You’ll Love Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets
Quick and Easy: Ready in 25 minutes, which makes it weeknight-friendly.
Full of Flavor: Garlic + lemon + buttery pan sauce = total flavor bomb.
Versatile: Pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, veggies, or even just a slice of crusty bread.
Light but Satisfying: Lean chicken with a bright, fresh sauce—no heavy cream needed.
Crowd-Pleasing: Simple enough for kids, flavorful enough for grown-ups.
Ingredients in Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Olive or Avocado Oil: Creates that golden sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded thin or cut into cutlets for quick, even cooking.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: The perfect seasoning blend—simple, savory, and effective.
Butter or Ghee: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings irresistible aroma and flavor (the real star here).
Lemon Juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of butter.
Chicken Stock or Broth: Builds a silky, flavorful sauce.
Parsley: Dried or fresh, for that finishing herbal note.
Instructions
Season the Chicken: Pat chicken cutlets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken cutlets and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Build the Sauce: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant (don’t let it burn). Stir in lemon juice and chicken stock, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to slightly reduce.
Finish with Herbs: Stir in parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Bring It Together: Return chicken cutlets to the pan, spoon sauce over the top, and let them warm through for 1–2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate up and drizzle with that garlicky lemon sauce.
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: ~280 (varies with oil/butter used)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets
Over Rice or Quinoa: The sauce soaks in perfectly.
With Pasta: Toss spaghetti or angel hair right in the pan with the sauce.
Classic Comfort: Serve with mashed potatoes and roasted veggies.
Light and Fresh: Pair with a big green salad and crusty bread.
Meal Prep Friendly: These reheat well, making them great for lunches.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Season and prep the chicken in the morning, store in the fridge, and cook at dinner time.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Freezer Option: Cooked cutlets can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Variations to Try
- Add Veggies: Sauté zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers in the sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a silky sauce.
- Herb Swap: Try basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley.
- Citrus Switch: Use lime instead of lemon for a fun twist.
Additional Tips
- Pound chicken to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Deglaze the pan with white wine instead of broth for a restaurant-style upgrade.
- Always let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and stay extra juicy.
Q2: What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
A2: Garlic powder works in a pinch, but fresh really makes the sauce shine.
Q3: Can I use lime instead of lemon?
A3: Absolutely—it’ll give a slightly different but equally bright flavor.
Q4: What’s the best oil to use?
A4: Olive oil gives great flavor, but avocado oil works beautifully for high heat cooking.
Q5: How do I keep chicken from drying out?
A5: Don’t overcook! Pull it off as soon as it hits 165°F.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes—just cook in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
Q7: Is this gluten-free?
A7: Yes, as long as your broth is gluten-free.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: Use vegan butter or omit it altogether—the garlic and lemon still shine.
Q9: What’s a good garnish?
A9: Fresh parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Q10: Can I meal prep this?
A10: Definitely. Store portions with rice and veggies for grab-and-go lunches.
Conclusion
These Quick Sautéed Garlic Chicken Cutlets prove that fast food can be flavorful, wholesome, and totally satisfying. With juicy golden chicken, fragrant garlic, and a lemony sauce you’ll want to pour over everything, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what’s for dinner, remember this: garlic, lemon, and chicken are a match made in heaven. Give this recipe a try—you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
