Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple yet elegant keto-friendly dish featuring juicy chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and finished with a rich, herb-infused cream sauce that clings to every bite. This american-inspired chicken (keto, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown underneath.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and edges are crisp.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Pour off excess oil, leaving 1 tsp in skillet.
  5. Step 5: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to skillet and sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1/4 cup heavy cream and 2 tbsp lemon juice, stirring constantly until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, then return chicken to skillet to coat evenly with sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to heat through.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce?

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 Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce 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 Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, 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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