Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb Butter Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a rich, aromatic herb butter sauce that enhances natural flavors without gluten. This mediterranean-inspired gluten free ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 2 chicken breasts dry and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 6 minutes on one side without moving, until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear; remove chicken and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the butter melts and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp lemon juice to the herb butter sauce, stir to combine, then pour the sauce over the cooked chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb Butter 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 with Gluten-Free Herb 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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb 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 Gluten-Free Herb 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb Butter Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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