Description
Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights that’s fuss-free and flavorful. Get a delicious meal on the table fast, perfect for chaotic weeknights. Simple ingredients, big taste!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into thinner cutlets)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Flavor Boosters:
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh Finishers:
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken for Easy Chicken Dinner:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice each one horizontally to make thinner cutlets. This is a game-changer for an Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights because it means they cook super fast and evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear, trust me. Then, sprinkle both sides generously with salt, pepper, and that lovely smoked paprika. I always forget to season enough, then kick myself later, so don’t be like me!
- Sear the Chicken:: Now, grab a large skillet, preferably cast iron if you have one; it gets the best sear. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the hot pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t brown properly! You want that gorgeous golden-brown crust. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they’re nicely seared and cooked through. I love the smell of the paprika toasting in the pan at this stage, it’s just amazing!
- Build the Flavorful Sauce for Your Easy Chicken Dinner:: Once the chicken is seared, carefully remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the pan! Those browned bits are pure flavor, hon. Reduce the heat to medium, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter, and nobody wants that! This is a quick step, but it really sets the stage for our Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights.
- Deglaze and Simmer:: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it’s where so much of the deliciousness comes from. Add the dried oregano and thyme. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly. The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That’s pure comfort!
- Add Lemon and Return Chicken to Your Easy Chicken Dinner:: Once the sauce has reduced a bit, stir in the fresh lemon zest and the juice from half of your lemon. Give it a taste here; you might want a little more salt or pepper. Now, carefully return the seared chicken cutlets to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering sauce. Let them warm through for another 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soak up all that incredible lemon-herb goodness. This step makes sure every bite of this Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights is bursting with flavor.
- Finish and Serve Your Easy Chicken Dinner:: Finally, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the chicken for an extra burst of fresh citrus. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. This not only adds a pop of color but also a wonderful fresh finish. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Honestly, this Easy Chicken Dinner Recipe for Busy Nights is a lifesaver, and it looks so impressive without all the fuss! Enjoy every single bite.