Pan-Seared Lemon Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a bright lemon tarragon garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh tarragon leaves, 1/4 cup chicken broth, and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Cook and stir for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon sauce over them, and cook for 1-2 more minutes to meld flavors. Serve hot with pan sauce spooned on top.

Frequently asked questions

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

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon Tarragon 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 Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Lemon Tarragon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce?

French 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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