Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a garlic herb butter sauce for a rich and satisfying keto meal. This american-inspired keto (keto) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces, about 6 oz each boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp, chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary to the pan. Spoon the melted herb butter over the chicken continuously for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove the pan from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving for a bright finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic 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 Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic 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.
Is Keto Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Herb Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
