Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Steamed Broccoli

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

Pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a tangy lemon-garlic sauce, served alongside tender steamed broccoli. This international-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/4 cup chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up browned bits. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly.
  3. Step 3: While sauce simmers, steam 2 cups broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 4-5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: Stir 1 tbsp unsalted butter into the lemon-garlic sauce until melted and glossy. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over chicken to coat.
  5. Step 5: Plate chicken breasts with steamed broccoli on the side and drizzle any remaining lemon-garlic sauce over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Steamed Broccoli take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Steamed Broccoli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Sauce and Steamed Broccoli?

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 Sauce and Steamed Broccoli 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 Sauce and Steamed Broccoli low carb?

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

Related recipes