Hourglass Lemon Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Pan-seared chicken breasts with a bright lemon-herb sauce, finished in the exact time it takes for a small hourglass to run out. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 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 420 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then coat evenly in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute). Add chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown underneath.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 5 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Pour 3 tbsp lemon juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme and 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and sauce thickens slightly, coating the back of a spoon.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Hourglass Lemon Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Hourglass Lemon 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 all-purpose flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Hourglass Lemon 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 Hourglass Lemon 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 Hourglass Lemon 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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