Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs

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

Tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs finished with a bright splash of lemon juice for a flavorful and quick dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 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).
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, and 1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary to the pan, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken, swirling the pan to coat and cook for an additional 30 seconds to meld flavors.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from heat, let rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving with pan sauce spooned over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs?

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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs 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 Lemon Garlic Chicken with Fresh Herbs gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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