Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic Jus

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

Pan-seared chicken breasts finished with a fragrant garlic and herb jus, perfect for a comforting family meal. This french ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and season both sides with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams.
  3. Step 3: Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 5 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the skillet. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens to a jus.
  6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the garlic herb jus over the top. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic Jus take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic 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 Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic Jus for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Savory French Herb Chicken with Garlic Jus?

French french 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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