Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad
Tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and lemon zest served alongside a bright citrus and fresh herb salad. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (gluten free), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, garlic cloves, lemon zest 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 rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 breasts
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped mixed fresh parsley and cilantro
- 1/2 cup orange segments
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp lemon zest. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sauté for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove and rest 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups baby arugula, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup orange segments, and 1/4 cup chopped parsley and cilantro. Drizzle with 1 tbsp white wine vinegar and toss gently.
- Step 4: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve atop the citrus-herb salad while warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad?
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 chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad?
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 Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad 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 Garlic Chicken with Citrus and Herb Salad 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.








