Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon-Thyme

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

Juicy chicken breasts with a citrusy herb sauce that pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, zest and juice of 1/2 lemon, fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Add lemon zest, juice of 1/2 lemon, and 2 fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken stock and simmer for 2 minutes until slightly reduced.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to skillet and cook for 2 more minutes to coat in sauce. Discard thyme sprigs and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with 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 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 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 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 Lemon-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.

What others are saying

Related recipes