Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh Thyme
Juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, enhanced by a tangy Dijon mustard glaze and fragrant fresh thyme. This french-inspired chicken (low carb, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) skinless chicken breast, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown on the bottom.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and immediately spread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly on the cooked side, then sprinkle 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves and 2 minced garlic cloves on top.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the mustard forms a glossy coating.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh 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-Seared Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Fresh Thyme low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, 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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