Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Lemon Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, finished with a vibrant garlic lemon sauce that brightens every bite. This international-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper 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.

★ 4.3 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides evenly 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 the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes without moving until the underside is golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter; continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, spooning melted butter over the chicken, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Step 6: Stir in the pan juices and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the sauce, then return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the sauce over them to coat before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Lemon Sauce 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 Lemon 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Garlic Lemon 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 Lemon Sauce 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 Garlic Lemon Sauce?

International 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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