Sautéed Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Herb Sauce
Tender chicken breasts sautéed with zesty lemon pepper and finished with a fragrant garlic herb sauce for a simple, flavorful meal. This general-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, lemon pepper seasoning, salt 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 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides evenly with 1 1/2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning and 1/2 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sauté for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium, add 4 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; cook for 1 minute until butter melts and sauce is aromatic.
- Step 5: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Herb 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 Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic 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 Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic 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 Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic 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 Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Herb Sauce high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
