Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes on one side until golden brown.
Flip the chicken breasts and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to medium-low.
Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Increase the heat and let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted and the sauce is slightly thickened.
Stir in the dried thyme, adjusting salt and pepper as needed. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top.
Serve the chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.