Sautéed Chicken Breast with Garlic and Fresh Thyme

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

Tender chicken breast sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme for a fragrant, savory main course. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total) 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, then add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5 minutes without moving to develop a golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the pan. Cook for another 5 minutes, spooning the garlic and thyme-infused oil over the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter. Let it melt and baste the chicken with the butter for 2 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving, spooning any pan juices over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Breast with Garlic and Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Garlic and Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Garlic and Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Breast with Garlic and Fresh Thyme 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 Garlic and Fresh 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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