Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Pan Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a bright, garlicky lemon sauce that enhances every bite. This french-inspired chicken (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends salt, black pepper, all-purpose flour 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 350 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Lightly dredge each breast in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, shaking off excess.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet. When melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Pan 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 Lemon Pan 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 Lemon Pan 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 Lemon Pan 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 Lemon Pan 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and elegant. Perfect for a date night.
- ★★★★★
Quick and delicious. The pan sauce is perfect for rice.
- ★★★★★
Loved the lemon and garlic! Made for my husband's birthday, he raved.