Pan-Seared Chicken with Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and served with a bright, low-sodium lemon garlic sauce that enhances natural flavors without overpowering. This general-inspired chicken (low sodium) 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 General cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season lightly with 1/8 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Lower heat to medium, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth and 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley until butter melts and the sauce becomes glossy.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over it, cooking for an additional minute to warm through before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic Sauce 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 Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic Sauce?

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 Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic 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 Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic 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 Low-Sodium Lemon Garlic Sauce low sodium?

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

Related recipes