Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Herb Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and topped with a vibrant lemon-garlic herb sauce that adds brightness and depth. This Mediterranean-inspired New Year's recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs boneless skinless 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 320 calories and feeds 4, 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 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and sear for 6 minutes without moving until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F; remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet, then add 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pan.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the lemon-garlic herb sauce over each piece, and cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Herb 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 Lemon-Garlic Herb Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Lemon-Garlic Herb Sauce?

Mediterranean new year 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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