Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter
Tender pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a zesty lemon and garlic butter sauce, perfect for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. This chicken (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir the butter and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top for 1 more minute.
- Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter?
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 Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter?
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 Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter 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 Quick Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon and Garlic Butter gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
