Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Lemon and Garlic Butter

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and bright charred lemon for a vibrant flavor contrast. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the underside is golden brown. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the same pan. Sauté for 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Push garlic butter to the side and place the 1 halved lemon cut-side down on the pan. Let it char for 2 minutes until edges are caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the garlic butter and pan juices over the chicken and lemon halves before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Lemon and Garlic 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 with Charred Lemon and Garlic 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 (6 oz each) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Charred Lemon and Garlic 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 with Charred Lemon and Garlic 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 with Charred Lemon and Garlic 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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