Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce

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

Tender chicken breasts seared and finished in a savory Dijon mustard and fresh thyme pan sauce, perfect for a quick yet elegant dinner. This french-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes blends salt, black pepper, olive oil 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 350 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 French cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts dry 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 chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip chicken and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter along with 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves. Spoon melted butter over chicken as it cooks for another 5 minutes until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken to a plate and keep warm. Into the same skillet, add 1/2 cup chicken broth and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, stirring and scraping browned bits from the bottom. Simmer for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the breasts for 1 minute to reheat and glaze before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan 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.

What goes well with Sautéed Chicken Breast with Dijon Mustard and Thyme Pan Sauce?

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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