Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Citrus Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright garlic and citrus butter sauce that enhances every bite. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are slightly crispy. Flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to medium. Add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is softened.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp fresh orange juice, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon the citrus garlic butter sauce over it, cooking for an additional 1 minute to heat through and meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Citrus Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Garlic and Citrus Butter 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 with Garlic and Citrus Butter 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 with Garlic and Citrus Butter 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 with Garlic and Citrus Butter Sauce?

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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