Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus Herb Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts enhanced with a bright citrus herb butter sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 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 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and cook for 6 minutes without moving, until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate; reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the butter sauce and stir to combine, then return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over for 1 minute to coat.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken, and serve immediately with the citrus herb butter sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus Herb Butter 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Citrus Herb Butter?

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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