Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden crust, topped with a zesty lemon-herb butter that elevates weeknight dinners. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs Salt, Black pepper, All-purpose flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Dredge each breast in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside on a plate. Add 2 tbsp butter and 1 minced garlic clove to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in lemon zest and juice (from 1 lemon) and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, cooking for 1 minute until butter is bubbly.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, spooning butter mixture over the top. Cook for 1-2 minutes to reheat and coat.
  6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving plate and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately with extra herbs for garnish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Herb Butter?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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