Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy herb crust, served with a tangy lemon-butter sauce that melts into the meat. This french-inspired keto (high protein, low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, paprika, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.

★ 3.9 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 French cuisine 310 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate, then add remaining 1 tbsp butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chives to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then pour over chicken.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon 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 Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon 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.

Is Herb-Crusted Chicken with Lemon Butter high protein?

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

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