Sautéed Garlic Herb Chicken with Fresh Thyme

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

Tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh thyme and garlic, creating a fragrant and savory dish perfect for a quick dinner. This international-inspired chicken ready in about 22 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh thyme sprigs, 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until golden brown on one side.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and reduce heat to medium, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs to the skillet; baste the chicken with the melted butter and garlic for 5 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the garlic is fragrant and golden.
  4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 3 minutes before slicing; discard thyme sprigs and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken when serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Herb Chicken with Fresh Thyme 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 Herb Chicken with 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 fresh thyme sprigs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic Herb Chicken with 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 Garlic Herb Chicken with 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 Garlic Herb Chicken with Fresh Thyme?

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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