Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli

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

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared with garlic and lemon zest served alongside tender steamed broccoli for a high-protein, healthy meal. This american-inspired healthy bowls (high protein, gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, garlic cloves, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and 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 until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown, flip and cook for another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp lemon zest to the pan, stirring around the chicken to infuse the oil and garlic aroma.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring 1 cup water to a boil in a medium pot and place 2 cups broccoli florets in a steaming basket above. Cover and steam for 5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve sliced chicken alongside the steamed broccoli, spooning the garlic-lemon pan juices over the chicken.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli 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 Steamed Broccoli?

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 garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken with Steamed Broccoli?

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 Steamed Broccoli 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 Steamed Broccoli high protein?

Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein, 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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