Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Thyme Jus

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

Juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection and finished with a fragrant lemon thyme sauce that brightens the dish. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on the first side without moving, until a golden crust forms.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 fresh thyme sprigs, and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter and herbs over the chicken continuously for 4-5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice into the skillet, scraping up browned bits with a wooden spoon. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Pour the lemon thyme jus over the chicken and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Thyme Jus 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 Jus?

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 Jus?

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 Jus 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 Lemon Thyme Jus?

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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