Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic No-Sauce Glaze

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

A simple pan-seared chicken breast recipe emphasizing bright lemon and garlic flavors without any heavy sauce, perfect for a light yet flavorful meal. This chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 17 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 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: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts 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 nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden and edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and add 3 minced garlic cloves around the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and squeeze 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the hot pan, stirring quickly to deglaze and glaze the chicken with the lemon-garlic mixture, then pour this over the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh herbal note.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic No-Sauce Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 No-Sauce Glaze?

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 No-Sauce Glaze?

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 No-Sauce Glaze 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 Lemon-Garlic No-Sauce Glaze 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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