Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce

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

Crispy, golden chicken breasts with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner that even picky eaters love. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 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 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pound 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet. Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a shallow dish and mix well. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 lemon (zest and juice), 2 tablespoons butter, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, cooking for 1 minute until butter melts.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over top. Cook for 1 more minute to reheat.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce?

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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