Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Herb Butter
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a zesty lemon-herb butter sauce that elevates this weeknight favorite. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 (6 oz each) boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder; dredge each breast in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add the floured chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and crisp on the bottom, then flip and cook for 4-5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil; add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley to the skillet, swirling to melt butter and create a glossy sauce for 1 minute until fragrant, then spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 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 Crispy 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy 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 Crispy Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Crispy 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
