Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan

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

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared with fresh garlic, thyme, and finished with a bright splash of lemon juice and Parmesan cheese. This Mediterranean-inspired New Year's recipe (gluten free, high protein), 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 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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 Mediterranean cuisine 350 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.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown and edges crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts and add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from heat, drizzle 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken, and sprinkle 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Let it rest for 2 minutes so the cheese slightly melts.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately, spooning pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan?

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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan?

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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan 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.

Is Sautéed Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Thyme and Parmesan gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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