Most Best Pan-Seared Chicken

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy golden chicken breasts finished with a superlative lemon-herb glaze that elevates the dish to 'best ever' status. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs large, boneless chicken breast, olive oil, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.9 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 large chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and cook for 4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are golden.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, leaving 1 tbsp oil in the pan.
  6. Step 6: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tsp fresh dill, then simmer for 1 minute until aromatic.
  8. Step 8: Pour the lemon-herb sauce over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Most Best Pan-Seared Chicken take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 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 Most Best 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Most Best 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 Most Best 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 Most Best 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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