Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished in a bright garlic lemon butter sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) chicken breast, salt, black pepper 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 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (6 oz each) 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, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped parsley, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to create a sauce.
- Step 6: Return chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top for 1 minute to warm through before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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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