Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Gently poached in fragrant extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic cloves and fresh thyme sprigs. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (low carb), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: In a deep skillet, combine 2 cups extra virgin olive oil, 6 smashed garlic cloves, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs. Warm over low heat until the oil reaches 180°F (use a thermometer).
  3. Step 3: Submerge the chicken breasts in the warm oil, making sure they are fully covered. Maintain the oil temperature between 160-180°F and poach gently for 20 minutes, turning the chicken halfway through.
  4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the oil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The poached chicken will be tender, moist, and infused with garlic and thyme aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme?

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 Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme 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 Herbed Olive Oil Poached Chicken with Garlic and Thyme low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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