Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs
Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with garlic and fresh herbs, finished with a drizzle of olive oil for a fragrant and flavorful dish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, fresh thyme leaves 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving, until golden brown and edges are crispy.
- Step 4: Flip the chicken breasts and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the pan; sauté for another 5 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 5: Remove chicken to a plate and drizzle with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to finish, letting it rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs?
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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs?
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 Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs 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 Garlic Chicken with Olive Oil and Fresh Herbs?
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.
