Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Dijon and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Elegant chicken breasts with a tangy Dijon sauce and fresh herb notes, ready in 30 minutes. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, tablespoon Dijon mustard, teaspoon fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.4 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 pounds total) with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
  5. Step 5: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly, then stir in 2 tablespoons unsalted butter until melted and incorporated.
  6. Step 6: Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, and cook for 1 minute to reheat before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Dijon and Thyme 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 Breasts with Dijon 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Dijon 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-Seared Chicken Breasts with Dijon 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Dijon and Thyme?

American 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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