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A perfectly cooked juicy pan-seared chicken breast in a skillet.

Zesty Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken

This Zesty Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts infused with bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and savory spices, seared to golden perfection. It is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Spoon
  • Cutting board

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 count boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 inches thick, pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons high-smoke point oil canola, grapeseed, or avocado

Seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Basting & Serving

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter optional, for basting
  • 2 count cloves garlic smashed, optional, for basting
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme optional, for basting
  • Fresh lemon wedges for serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels for a crispy crust.
  • Combine salt, pepper, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder in a bowl, then season both sides of the chicken generously.

Cooking

  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet with oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and slightly smoking.
  • Place chicken in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until deeply golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for 5-8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached.

Finishing Touches

  • Optionally, during the last few minutes, add butter, smashed garlic, and herb sprig to the pan; baste the chicken with the melted butter.
  • Transfer chicken to a cutting board and rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to ensure tenderness.
  • Serve with fresh lemon wedges for extra zest.

Notes

Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and a more tender result. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and prevent a good sear. Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for juicy, flavorful results.