Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard and Thyme

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

Juicy chicken breasts seared with a tangy mustard-thyme glaze, perfect for a simple weeknight dinner under 5 net carbs. This american-inspired keto (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (about 150g each) Chicken breast, Dijon mustard, (chopped) Fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 chicken breasts (about 150g each) dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter is melted and sizzling.
  4. Step 4: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Step 5: Brush the chicken with the mustard-thyme mixture during the last 2 minutes of cooking, then remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard and Thyme take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard 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 dijon mustard from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard 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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard and Thyme for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Fried Chicken with Mustard and Thyme high protein?

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

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