Pan-Seared Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce

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

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared with Italian herbs and finished in a bright garlic lemon sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This italian-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, salt 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: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning.
  2. Step 2: 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 cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and scrape the browned bits from the pan, letting the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top, cooking for 1 more minute to warm through.
  7. Step 7: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Italian Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

Italian chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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