Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces
Chicken breasts halved and pan-seared, then served with a lemon-herb sauce on one half and a teriyaki glaze on the other for a dynamic, restaurant-quality meal. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs chicken breasts, lemon juice, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (about 1 lb total) chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut each chicken breast horizontally into two even slices, creating 4 total pieces (2 per breast). Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken slices and cook for 5 minutes until golden brown underneath.
- Step 3: Flip chicken and cook for 4 more minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate, leaving pan drippings.
- Step 4: In the same skillet, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
- Step 5: Divide the chicken slices into two groups: place 2 slices on a plate and drizzle with half the lemon-herb sauce, then place the remaining 2 slices on top and drizzle with the other half of the sauce.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breasts from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Cut Chicken with Two Sauces gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.
