Pan-Seared Chicken with Dijon and Lemon Thyme
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection with a bright Dijon-lemon thyme sauce that complements the herbaceous notes. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, Dijon mustard, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 310 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each), pounded thin chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1, zested and juiced lemon
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Sear chicken for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then transfer to a plate.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, and 1/2 cup chicken broth to the skillet. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in 1 tbsp butter until emulsified.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Dijon and Lemon 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 with Dijon and Lemon 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Dijon and Lemon 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 with Dijon and Lemon 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 with Dijon and Lemon Thyme?
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
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 15-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
