Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus

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

Juicy, pan-roasted chicken breasts served with a rich garlic and thyme jus, perfect for a hearty home-cooked meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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 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.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), then season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5 minutes on the first side until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken, add 5 minced garlic cloves and 4 fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet, and continue cooking for 5 more minutes, spooning the fragrant garlic-thyme oil over the chicken to infuse flavor.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1 cup chicken stock and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer gently for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken to a plate and stir 2 tbsp unsalted butter into the skillet sauce until melted and glossy, then pour the garlic-thyme jus over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus 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 Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

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-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus 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.

What goes well with Pan-Roasted Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes