Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter
Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a fragrant garlic and lemon thyme butter sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tsp, chopped fresh lemon thyme
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown and edges crisp.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp chopped fresh lemon thyme to the pan.
- Step 6: Spoon the melted butter mixture over the chicken continuously for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and butter slightly thickens.
- Step 7: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken and butter sauce before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter 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 Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter?
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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter?
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 Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter 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 with Garlic and Lemon Thyme Butter?
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.
