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Quick Lemon Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe with Zesty Pan Sauce

lemon herb pan-seared chicken breast - featured image
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A quick and easy pan-seared chicken breast recipe featuring fresh lemon, herbs, and a silky zesty pan sauce that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in about 25 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low sodium chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute chicken broth with white wine

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and half of the lemon zest. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a large heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 375°F).
  3. Add chicken breasts to the pan without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes. For thick breasts, lower heat to medium, cover loosely, and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  4. Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  5. Lower heat to medium-low. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Stir in remaining lemon zest and fresh herbs. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced and silky.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over rested chicken breasts and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for a golden crust. Let chicken rest after cooking to lock in juices. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Deglaze pan to capture caramelized bits for the sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Sauce can be loosened with extra broth or water if too thick. Butter can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken, pan-seared chicken, quick chicken recipe, herb chicken, weeknight dinner, easy chicken breast, lemon herb sauce

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/quick-lemon-herb-pan-seared-chicken-breast-recipe-with-zesty-pan-sauce-easy-and-delicious/