Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with fresh herbs and tangy lemon. This mediterranean-inspired high protein (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir until well combined to make chimichurri.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the chimichurri generously over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri?

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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri?

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 Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with High-Herb Chimichurri high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, gluten free, 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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