Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Citrus-Basil Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and served with a bright garlic, lemon, and fresh basil sauce that balances richness with vibrant notes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, chopped fresh basil leaves 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 (about 1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then remove and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the pan with a wooden spoon, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves, then return the chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over for 1 minute to coat and warm through before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Citrus-Basil 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Citrus-Basil 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 and Citrus-Basil 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 and Citrus-Basil 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.
Is Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Citrus-Basil Sauce 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.
