Pan-Seared Chicken with Herb-Infused Citrus Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts served with a bright and fragrant herb-infused citrus sauce that elevates the dish with fresh flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.5 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (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. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in 2 tbsp unsalted butter until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Step 6: Pour the citrus herb sauce over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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 Herb-Infused 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Herb-Infused Citrus Sauce?

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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