Pan-Seared Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon

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

Tender chicken breasts with a bright lemon-herb sauce, cooked to perfection with a golden crust. This american-inspired chicken (low-carb) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic, leaves only fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, flipping once.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Add 2 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over the top, and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon?

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 Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon?

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 Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon 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.

Is Pan-Seared Herb-Infused Chicken Breast with Lemon 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.

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