Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Citrus Herb Sauce
Tender chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant garlic and citrus herb sauce that balances zest and savory flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice 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, skinless and boneless, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp, optional red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season both sides evenly 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 and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Lower heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup chicken broth and add 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, stirring to combine and scraping browned bits off the pan bottom.
- Step 5: Simmer the sauce for 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley.
- Step 6: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes to 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 Herb Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb 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 Herb Sauce low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
