Description
Pan-Seared Lemon Chicken with Garlic Butter Sauce and Vegetables is a bright, zesty, and satisfying lunch dish. Made with thin, juicy chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, lemon juice, and a rich garlic butter glaze, it’s a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition for midday meals. Ideal for meal prep or a quick home-cooked lunch.
Ingredients
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4 thin chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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4 tablespoons unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of 1 lemon
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
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2 cups steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, etc.)
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Optional: cooked white rice or quinoa, for serving
Instructions
1️⃣ Sear the Chicken
• Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
• Remove chicken and keep warm.
2️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
• Add butter and let it melt, then stir in garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
• Pour in lemon juice and simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
3️⃣ Steam the Vegetables
• While sauce simmers, steam vegetables until tender-crisp.
• Season lightly with salt and pepper.
4️⃣ Finish and Serve
• Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over each piece.
• Plate with vegetables and drizzle remaining sauce on top.
• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with rice or quinoa if desired.
Notes
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Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the most vibrant flavor.
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Thin chicken breasts cook fast—watch closely to prevent drying out.
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Pair with vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus for balanced nutrition.
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Make it low-carb by skipping the rice or using cauliflower rice.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken breast, garlic butter chicken, thin chicken lunch, quick lemon chicken, pan-seared chicken, healthy lunch recipes, chicken and vegetables