Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared Chicken

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Coated in a fragrant herb crust, finished with a zesty lemon butter glaze for elegant weeknight dining. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, all-purpose flour, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp dried rosemary.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then set aside.
  4. Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and the oil shimmers.
  5. Step 5: Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  6. Step 6: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 1 sliced lemon to the skillet and let sizzle for 1 minute until the lemon edges crisp slightly.
  7. Step 7: Return chicken to the skillet with the lemon slices, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared 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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared 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 Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared 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.

What goes well with Herb-Crusted Lemon Pan-Seared Chicken?

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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