Sautéed Chicken Query with Garlic and Thyme
Tender chicken breast pieces sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme, delivering a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick dinner. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 400 g, cut into 1-inch cubes chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 400 g chicken breast cubes to the skillet in a single layer, sprinkle with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves and 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for another minute until the thyme is fragrant and the chicken is well coated. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Chicken Query with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Query 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken Query 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 Sautéed Chicken Query with Garlic and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Query with Garlic and Thyme?
Mediterranean 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.
