Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Mediterranean Herb Butter

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a fragrant garlic and herb butter sauce, perfect for a quick Mediterranean-inspired dinner. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, unsalted butter 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides 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, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges crisp.
  4. Step 4: Flip chicken and cook an additional 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is cooked through; remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melting it slowly.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden.
  7. Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, then spoon the garlic herb butter sauce over the chicken breasts before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Mediterranean Herb 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 Garlic and Mediterranean Herb 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Mediterranean Herb 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 Garlic and Mediterranean Herb 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 Garlic and Mediterranean Herb Butter?

Mediterranean 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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