Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, finished with a bright and fragrant garlic lemon thyme sauce. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, fresh thyme sprigs, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 3 sprigs of fresh thyme and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the pan. Spoon the melted butter lemon sauce over the chicken continuously for 1 minute until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle the pan sauce over the sliced chicken and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce?

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 Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce 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.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Thyme and Garlic Lemon Sauce gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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