Seared Lemon Balm Chicken

Last updated on September 17, 2020 by Liza Hawkins

Enjoy this simple seared chicken breast, seasoned only with fresh lemon balm, green onion, salt and pepper. Lemon balm is a frequent summer herb addition to CSA bags in the Mid-Atlantic.

It’s super versatile — a little like basil, but with a strong fresh scent of lemon — and I’ve used it as a garnish on salads, to make some seriously delicious lemon-lime curd tartlettes and to season savory dishes, too!

Lemon balm’s even yummy steeped in tea!

The other night it went perfectly with green onions and a simple seared chicken breast, seasoned only with salt and pepper. 

All I did was warm a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil, sprinkled the chicken breasts with each of the ingredients, and then seared them for four minutes a side.

After a quick rest, they were ready to eat!

I paired them with whipped mashed potatoes and a yummy salad, but they’d also go nicely atop linguine or even served with rice or savory garlic farro.

If you’re wondering where to find lemon balm, check your local farmers’ market.

Since mine came in our CSA bag, many local farms will probably be carrying it in the summertime, too.

Good luck!

Continue to Content

Yield: 4

Seared Lemon Balm Chicken

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

A simple seared chicken breast, seasoned only with fresh lemon balm, green onion, salt and pepper.

Print

Ingredients

• 4 small to medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped lemon balm
• 1 green onion, minced
• salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and then sprinkle one side with lemon balm, green onion, salt and pepper.
3. Place them seasoned side down in the hot pan.
4. Sprinkle the side facing up with the remaining lemon balm, green onion, salt and pepper.
5. Cook the chicken for for 4 minutes*, flip, and then continue cooking for another 4 minutes.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Garnish with leftover fresh lemon balm if you have it.

Notes

*Cook time will vary by a minute or two, depending on the size of your chicken breasts. Use a probe thermometer to ensure they've reached 185°F internally before serving.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• 
  J.A. Henckels International 31161-201 CLASSIC Chef's Knife, 8 Inch, Black
• 
  OXO Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs with Black Silicone Heads
• 
  Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet with Assist Handle Holder, 12", Red Silicone
• 
  ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer Kitchen Cooking Food Candy Thermometer with Backlight and Magnet for Oil Deep Fry BBQ Grill Smoker Thermometer

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 112Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 97mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 9g