Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon zest for a simple, flavorful dinner. This general-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter is melted and slightly bubbling.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and cook for 30 seconds more. Return chicken breasts to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over them to coat.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic Butter and Lemon Zest?

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 Butter and Lemon Zest 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 Butter and Lemon Zest?

General 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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