Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared with fresh herbs and bright lemon, ready in just 30 minutes for a flavorful weeknight dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs olive oil, fresh thyme leaves, fresh rosemary, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken, add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary to the pan, then cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken registers 165°F internally.
  5. Step 5: Remove pan from heat and squeeze 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over the chicken; let rest for 3 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken 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 Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken?

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 Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken 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.

Is Half-Hour Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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