Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce

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

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a creamy mustard and fresh thyme sauce, ideal for an elegant yet simple dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Serves 2 French cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry and season both sides with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them until golden brown and they release easily from the pan.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4-5 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, then transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine, scraping up any browned bits, and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, then simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  8. Step 8: Remove from heat and whisk in 1 tablespoon unsalted butter until glossy.
  9. Step 9: Return chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce?

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-Seared Chicken Breast with Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce?

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 Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Breast with Thyme and Mustard Cream Sauce?

French 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.

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