Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs

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

Tender chicken breasts seared with lemon and garlic, finished with a burst of fresh herbs for a bright, aromatic meal that's ready in 30 minutes. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 (6 oz) chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F), then transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 2 tbsp lemon juice, then add 1 tbsp butter and stir until melted.
  4. Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Lemon and Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

American 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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