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A healthy chicken breast recipe for weeknights, showing a prepared dish.

Zesty Lemon-Herb Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

This recipe features tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and infused with bright lemon and aromatic herbs. It's a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a weeknight.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 people

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Small bowl
  • Large non-stick skillet

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6oz each), pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • lemon half sliced for garnish, half for 2 tbsp fresh juice
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth Optional: for quick pan sauce

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken breasts dry and combine oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture over both sides of the chicken.
  • Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, then add the seasoned chicken breasts.
  • Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
  • Remove chicken, then, if making sauce, add chicken broth and lemon juice to the pan, scraping up browned bits, and simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  • Drizzle pan sauce over chicken, if made, and garnish with lemon slices and chopped parsley.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite healthy sides.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture and a splash of lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust salt and pepper to your preference. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light salad.