Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Herb Lemon Butter Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a bright garlic, herb, and lemon butter sauce that elevates simple poultry to a flavorful entrée. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends salt, black pepper, 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 350 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, until golden brown and edges are crispy. Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Stir butter and garlic around chicken for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves and 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine and cook for an additional 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, sprinkle 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley over chicken, and spoon sauce over before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 with Garlic and Herb Lemon Butter 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 with Garlic and Herb Lemon 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 Herb Lemon 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 Herb Lemon 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.

Related recipes