Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with lemon pepper and finished in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. This american-inspired chicken (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends lemon pepper seasoning, salt, olive oil 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 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each). Season both sides evenly with 1 tbsp lemon pepper seasoning and 1 tsp salt.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 4: Pour in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine, and cook the sauce for 1-2 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter 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 Stovetop Lemon Pepper Chicken with Garlic Butter 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.
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