Pan-Seared Chicken with No-Salt Herb Butter

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

A simple pan-seared chicken breast finished with a fragrant no-salt herb butter to enhance natural flavors without added sodium. This American-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, unsalted butter, fresh rosemary leaves 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper only, avoiding salt. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crispy at the edges. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes on the second side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, in a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme leaves, and 2 minced garlic cloves until combined.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and rest on a plate. Lower heat to medium-low, add the herb butter mixture to the skillet, stirring for 1 minute until butter melts and garlic is fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the melted no-salt herb butter over the chicken breasts and serve immediately, allowing the herbs and butter to enhance the chicken's natural flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with No-Salt Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 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 No-Salt Herb Butter?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with No-Salt Herb Butter?

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 No-Salt Herb Butter 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 No-Salt Herb Butter 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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