A Flavorful One-Pan Dinner Made for One
Not everyone loves leftovers, and sometimes the best solution is simply cooking just enough for one meal. This Seared Chicken & Broccolini with Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce, shared by creator @itsdayswithdae, is the perfect example of how a small, intentional dinner can still be packed with flavor.
The dish starts with a perfectly seared chicken breast cooked until golden on the outside and juicy on the inside. It’s paired with tender broccolini sautéed in butter, then finished with a rich lemon garlic cream sauce loaded with spinach. The sauce brings everything together with a balance of creamy, garlicky, and citrusy flavors.
Best of all, the recipe uses just one pan, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners or anyone cooking solo. It’s simple, comforting, and proof that you don’t need a big meal prep to enjoy a restaurant-style plate at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 medium chicken breast, seasoned with salt, pepper, Kinder’s Lemon Butter Garlic seasoning, and paprika
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil for searing
For the Broccolini
- 1 handful fresh broccolini
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of water for steaming
For the Lemon Garlic Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon basil paste
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 handful fresh spinach
- ½ teaspoon Kinder’s Lemon Butter Garlic seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Italian herbs
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
- Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, paprika, and lemon butter garlic seasoning.
- Sear for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. Cook the Broccolini
- Add butter to the same pan and place the broccolini in the pan.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Add a splash of water to help steam and soften the broccolini.
- Cook for about 7 minutes, then remove from the pan.
3. Start the Sauce
- Add butter to the pan, followed by chopped onions, garlic paste, and basil paste.
- Cook until fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Build the Cream Sauce
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir to create a thick base.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce.
5. Add Spinach and Seasonings
- Add fresh spinach, salt, pepper, paprika, and Kinder’s Lemon Butter Garlic seasoning.
- Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
6. Finish and Plate
- Brighten the sauce with fresh lemon juice.
- Plate the seared chicken breast and broccolini over the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese before serving.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Pound the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breast slightly so it cooks evenly.
- Use the Same Pan: Cooking everything in one pan builds deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Lemon: Add more lemon juice if you prefer a brighter sauce.
- Serve with Pasta or Rice: Great for soaking up the extra cream sauce.
About the Creator
This recipe is by @itsdayswithdae, a creator known for sharing simple, cozy meals designed for everyday cooking. Her content highlights approachable recipes, thoughtful portions, and flavorful dishes perfect for solo dinners or small households.
@itsdayswithdae | Instagram