Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan Sauce

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, finished with a fragrant garlic and rosemary pan sauce that elevates simple ingredients into a flavorful dish. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, extra virgin olive oil 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves, and 2 fresh rosemary sprigs to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/3 cup dry white wine and 1/2 cup chicken stock, scraping the browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces by half.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, return chicken to the pan, and spoon the sauce over each piece. Cook for 1 more minute and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan 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 Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic and Rosemary Pan Sauce?

French 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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