Name: Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1¼ lbs chicken breasts; ⅓ cup flour; salt and pepper; ¼ cup butter; 10 oz baby spinach; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; ½ cup red bell pepper; 1 tbsp honey; 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves; 2 tsp lemon juice; lemon slices; thyme sprigs

Imagine the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken breast, pan-seared to golden perfection, then paired with a zesty lemon butter sauce. This recipe captures all those flavors and more, creating a dish that is as nourishing as it is delectable. An array of vibrant vegetables accompanies the pan-seared chicken, making this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This is an excellent choice for a quiet dinner at home or for impressing guests at a get-together.

Photos of Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Most of the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in home kitchens. However, fresh thyme leaves might not be readily available in some households. They are usually sold in the fresh herb section of the supermarket. Likewise, baby spinach is a specific type of spinach that's harvested earlier, making the leaves smaller and tender. It is usually found near the salad greens in the grocery store.

Ingredients for Pan Seared Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

Chicken breasts: The star of our dish. Choose boneless and skinless chicken breasts for the best results.

Flour: Used for dredging the chicken to give it a golden, crispy exterior.

Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing the flavor of the chicken and vegetables.

Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and the chicken.

Baby spinach: Provides a tender, mildly bitter flavor that pairs well with the chicken.

Cherry tomatoes: These add a burst of acidity and sweetness to the dish.

Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness to the dish.

Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness to the lemon butter sauce.

Fresh thyme leaves: Fresh thyme adds a hint of earthiness to the dish.

Lemon juice: The acidity cuts through the richness of the butter, bringing a bright and fresh flavor to the sauce.

One reader, Chadwick Latham says:

This pan-seared chicken with lemon butter sauce recipe is a game-changer! The chicken was perfectly cooked and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. The combination of the tangy lemon and rich butter was simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and easy-to-make dish.

Chadwick Latham

Techniques Required for Pan Seared Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce

How to pan sear chicken: Pan searing involves cooking the chicken in a hot skillet to create a golden brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. It's important to preheat the skillet and use a high smoke point oil to prevent sticking and achieve a nice sear.

How to make lemon butter sauce: This involves melting butter until it starts to brown, then whisking in honey, lemon juice, and thyme leaves. It's important to remove the pan from the heat to prevent the sauce from burning and becoming bitter.

How to wilt spinach: Wilted spinach is achieved by cooking it in a hot pan with a small amount of oil or butter until it becomes soft and slightly reduced in volume. It's important not to overcook the spinach to maintain its vibrant green color and fresh flavor.

How to cook cherry tomatoes and bell peppers: Cherry tomatoes and bell peppers can be quickly sautéed in a hot pan until they are slightly softened but still retain their shape and texture. It's important to season them with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavors.

How To Make Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce

Grab a bite of this tender plate of pan seared chicken and vegetables, topped with a tangy lemon and butter herb sauce, for a rich and belly-filling dish!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 20 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1¼lbschicken breasts,thin, boneless, skinless
⅓cupflour
salt and pepper,to taste
¼cupbutter,divided use
10ozbaby spinach
1cupcherry tomatoes,halved
½cupred bell pepper,or orange, or yellow, diced
1tbsphoney
2tspfresh thyme leaves
2tsplemon juice
lemon slices,optional garnish
thyme sprigs,optional garnish

Instructions

Mix together the flour, salt and pepper on a large plate.
Season each chicken breast with salt to taste, then dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Transfer the chicken to a platter and cover with foil. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel.
Place the bell pepper in the pan, then cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the spinach, then cook for 3 more minutes or until spinach is wilted and bell pepper is cooked through.
Add the cherry tomatoes, then season the vegetables with salt and pepper.
Place the vegetables on the serving platter alongside the chicken.
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the pan until the butter has started to brown. Whisk in the honey, lemon juice, thyme leaves and salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from the heat.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Garnish with lemon slices and thyme sprigs, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 435.75kcal
Fat: 25.24g
Saturated Fat: 11.17g
Trans Fat: 0.61g
Monounsaturated Fat: 8.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.45g
Carbohydrates: 19.30g
Fiber: 3.50g
Sugar: 6.65g
Protein: 33.66g
Cholesterol: 121.22mg
Sodium: 725.07mg
Calcium: 115.40mg
Potassium: 903.78mg
Iron: 4.02mg
Vitamin A: 519.60µg
Vitamin C: 56.27mg

Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Sear on Chicken

When searing the chicken, ensure the pan is hot enough before adding the meat. This will help to create a beautiful golden-brown crust and lock in the juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful chicken. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam rather than sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to maintain the right temperature.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Delicious Chicken Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.

One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pan to minimize cleanup time.

Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze them for future quick and easy meals.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to easily locate ingredients and utensils while cooking.

Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to maximize efficiency, such as preparing side dishes while the main course is cooking.

Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors and slow cookers to simplify meal preparation.

Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process without the need for adjustments.

Substitute Ingredients For Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

chicken breasts - Substitute with turkey breasts: Turkey breasts can be used as a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. They have a similar texture and can be cooked in the same way.
flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour for coating the chicken before searing. It also creates a lighter, crispier crust.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter for searing the chicken and making the lemon butter sauce. It adds a rich flavor and works well with the other ingredients.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for baby spinach, providing a hearty and nutritious green base for the dish.
cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sliced roma tomatoes: Sliced roma tomatoes can be used as a substitute for cherry tomatoes, providing a similar sweet and juicy flavor.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell pepper can be used as a substitute for red bell pepper, adding a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the dish.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a substitute for honey, providing a rich and complex sweetness to the lemon butter sauce.
thyme leaves - Substitute with rosemary: Rosemary can be used as a substitute for thyme, adding a robust and earthy flavor to the dish.
lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used as a substitute for lemon juice, providing a tangy acidity to the butter sauce.
lemon slices - Substitute with orange slices: Orange slices can be used as a substitute for lemon slices, adding a citrusy and slightly sweeter flavor to the dish.
thyme sprigs - Substitute with parsley: Parsley can be used as a substitute for thyme sprigs, providing a fresh and herbaceous garnish for the dish.

Plating Ideas for a Delightful Chicken Dish

Elevate the plating: Arrange the pan-seared chicken in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each component is showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Utilize the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red bell pepper to create an eye-catching and appetizing presentation.
Garnish with precision: Adorn the dish with delicately sliced lemon rounds and fresh thyme sprigs to add a touch of elegance and freshness to the overall presentation.
Create a balanced composition: Arrange the chicken, vegetables, and lemon butter sauce in a harmonious manner, ensuring that each element complements the others for a visually stunning plate.
Pay attention to plate cleanliness: Ensure the rim of the plate is clean and free from any sauce drips, presenting a polished and professional appearance.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the use of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to stand out and captivate the judges' attention.
Consider plate shape and size: Select a plate that enhances the visual appeal of the dish, allowing the components to shine without overcrowding the space.
Focus on precision and finesse: Pay attention to the finer details, such as the drizzling of the lemon butter sauce, to showcase culinary expertise and attention to detail.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Perfectly Seared Chicken

Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing foods.
Paper towel: An absorbent paper used for cleaning and drying kitchen surfaces and utensils.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and stirring ingredients together.
Platter: A large, shallow dish used for serving food.
Large plate: A flat dish used for dredging, coating, and serving food.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food items.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A deep bowl used for combining and mixing ingredients.
Food processor: An electric appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing food.
Measuring cup: A container used for measuring liquid or dry ingredients.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for flipping, lifting, and spreading food.
Foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering and wrapping food.
Plastic wrap: A thin, transparent film used for covering and wrapping food items.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for making sauces and heating liquids.

Storing and Freezing Instructions for Pan Seared Chicken

To store leftover pan seared chicken with lemon butter sauce, allow the dish to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, place the chicken and vegetables in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes on high power.
To freeze the dish, place the cooled chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen meal, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the thawed dish in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes on high power.
Note: The lemon butter sauce may separate or lose some of its texture when frozen and reheated. For best results, prepare the sauce fresh when reheating the chicken and vegetables.

How To Reheat Leftover Pan Seared Chicken

To reheat leftover pan seared chicken with lemon butter sauce, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gentle heat will help to warm the chicken without drying it out or causing the sauce to separate.
Place the leftover chicken and vegetables in an oven-safe dish, making sure to include any remaining lemon butter sauce. If the sauce has thickened or congealed during storage, add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to help loosen it up.
Cover the dish with foil to prevent the chicken from drying out and to help the dish heat evenly. Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and allow it to reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
If you prefer a crispier exterior on your reheated chicken, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating. This will allow the skin to crisp up slightly without overcooking the meat.
For a quicker reheating method, you can also use the microwave. Place the leftover chicken and vegetables in a microwave-safe dish, and add a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep the dish moist. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is hot.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached a safe temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Once the pan seared chicken with lemon butter sauce is heated through, garnish with fresh lemon slices and thyme sprigs to refresh the flavors and add a pop of color to the dish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, reheated meal!

Interesting Trivia About Pan Seared Chicken

Pan seared chicken with lemon butter sauce is a classic dish that is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be paired with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. This dish is also a great source of protein and can be easily customized with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Is Making Pan Seared Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?

The cost-effectiveness of this pan-seared chicken with lemon butter sauce recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and commonly found in households. The combination of chicken, spinach, and cherry tomatoes offers a nutritious and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its balance of cost, flavor, and nutritional value.

Is Pan Seared Chicken with Lemon Butter Sauce Healthy?

This pan seared chicken with lemon butter sauce recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair
Spinach is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to the dish
Cherry tomatoes and red bell peppers offer a good source of vitamin C and other beneficial plant compounds

However, there are some areas of concern:

The use of flour for dredging the chicken adds refined carbohydrates and may increase the overall calorie content
Butter, while adding flavor, is high in saturated fat, which can contribute to heart health issues if consumed in excess
The recipe includes honey, which is a source of added sugar

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Replace the all-purpose flour with a whole grain alternative, such as whole wheat flour or almond flour, to increase the fiber content and reduce refined carbohydrates
Use a smaller amount of butter or replace it with a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or avocado oil
Reduce the amount of honey used or substitute it with a natural, low-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract
Increase the proportion of vegetables in the dish to boost the overall nutrient density
Serve the chicken and vegetables with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or whole grain pasta to add complex carbohydrates and fiber

By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the dish while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a balanced diet with a variety of nutrient-dense foods is the foundation of a healthy lifestyle.

Editor's Opinion on This Lemon Butter Chicken Delight

The pan-seared chicken with lemon butter sauce recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly cooked and pairs beautifully with the vibrant vegetables. The lemon butter sauce adds a zesty and aromatic touch, elevating the dish to a whole new level. The use of fresh thyme and honey in the sauce brings a wonderful depth of flavor. Overall, this recipe is a fantastic choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Enhance Your Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for soaking up the lemon butter sauce

Grilled Asparagus with Parmesan: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and topped with savory parmesan cheese, a great complement to the pan seared chicken

Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy Brussels sprouts sautéed with smoky bacon, adding a delicious crunch to your meal

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Pan Seared Chicken

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate your favorite vegetables in a zesty herb and garlic marinade, then thread them onto skewers and grill to perfection for a delicious and healthy side dish or main course.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook tender beef short ribs in a rich and flavorful red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone delicious. Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds to create a refreshing and tropical dessert that's perfect for a light and satisfying sweet treat.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement Your Chicken Dish

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a sophisticated start to your meal, try these savory Stuffed Mushrooms. Filled with a delicious mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs, these bite-sized appetizers are sure to impress your guests.

Caprese Skewers: These Caprese Skewers are a fresh and colorful way to kick off your meal. Skewer cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a simple yet elegant appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Berry Parfait: Layered with fresh berries, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors. Each spoonful offers a refreshing and satisfying treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as the chicken breasts are perfectly seared to lock in moisture and flavor. The lemon butter sauce adds a zesty and rich touch, enhancing the overall taste. The combination of baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red bell pepper not only provides a burst of color but also offers a variety of textures and nutrients. The use of fresh thyme leaves infuses the dish with aromatic earthiness. Trust the expertise behind this recipe to create a memorable and satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts and experiences with this delicious Pan Seared Chicken on Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum section.

FAQ:

What can I use as a substitute for chicken breasts?

You can use chicken thighs, turkey cutlets, or even pork chops as a substitute for chicken breasts in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I use a different type of flour for dredging the chicken?

Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or even gluten-free flour for dredging the chicken. The choice of flour may slightly alter the texture and flavor, but it will still work well.

Can I make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, gently reheat it on the stove, stirring constantly until it's warmed through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Instead of using butter, you can use a plant-based butter or olive oil. The lemon butter sauce can be made with vegan butter or a combination of olive oil and lemon juice.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Of course! This recipe is versatile, and you can add your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms to customize it to your liking. Just adjust the cooking time for the additional vegetables as needed.