Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts seared in butter with garlic and herbs, finished with a golden pan sauce for a restaurant-quality main course ready in 25 minutes. This american-inspired chicken (keto) ready in about 25 minutes pairs tablespoon olive oil, tablespoons butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 minced garlic cloves, and swirl to melt butter.
  5. Step 5: Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, basting chicken with butter mixture until garlic is fragrant and butter is golden.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and garnish with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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 tablespoon olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and 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 Garlic and 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and 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.

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