Pan-Seared Lemon Chicken with Garlic and Thyme

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, infused with bright lemon and aromatic garlic, finished with fresh thyme for a simple weeknight dinner. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic cloves, zested and juiced lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breasts (6 ounces each) dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet, then add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the pan. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon thyme, then return chicken to skillet and simmer for 2 minutes, turning to coat evenly.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Lemon Chicken with Garlic and 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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Lemon Chicken with Garlic and 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 Lemon Chicken with Garlic and 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 Lemon Chicken with Garlic and 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.

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