Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb-Citrus Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, served with a bright and zesty gluten-free herb-citrus sauce. This mediterranean-inspired gluten free (gluten-free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, salt 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: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Pour in 1/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, stirring to deglaze the pan and loosen browned bits.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1 tsp cornstarch into 1 tbsp water until smooth, then whisk this slurry into the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves for brightness.
  6. Step 6: Spoon the herb-citrus sauce over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Gluten-Free Herb-Citrus 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 Gluten-Free Herb-Citrus 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-Citrus 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-Citrus 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-Citrus 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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