Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and finished with a fragrant garlic and thyme jus, perfect for a simple yet flavorful dinner. This international-inspired chicken ready in about 25 minutes pairs 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 350 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.

★ 4.4 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 International cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown and crisp at the edges. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme to the skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping the browned bits off the pan bottom. Let the liquid simmer and reduce by half, about 3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Turn off heat and whisk in 1 tbsp unsalted butter until the jus is silky and coats the back of a spoon. Return chicken to the pan to warm for 1 minute before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus 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 with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

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 chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Chicken with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

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 with Garlic and Thyme Jus 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 with Garlic and Thyme Jus?

International 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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