Sautéed Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce

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

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Pan-seared with fresh Mediterranean herbs and finished in a bright garlic lemon sauce. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter until melted and the sauce is glossy. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over each piece. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon 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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Mediterranean Herb Chicken with Garlic Lemon Sauce?

Mediterranean 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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