Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

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

Pan-seared and finished in a zesty lemon and herb garlic butter sauce for a fresh, vibrant flavor. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, tablespoons olive oil 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 4, 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 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken breasts and add 3 tablespoons unsalted butter to the pan. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, spooning melted butter over chicken occasionally, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté garlic in butter for 1 minute until fragrant but not brown.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves. Spoon sauce over chicken for 1 more minute to meld flavors.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from pan and spoon garlic butter sauce over top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Lemon Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce 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 Herb Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

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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