Description
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is incredibly juicy and easy. Discover my simple, fail-proof recipe for tender chicken every time, even with kitchen chaos!
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Flavor Boosters:
- 3–4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh Finish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Make It Special:
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prep Those Breasts:: First things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry with paper towels, please! This is crucial for getting a gorgeous sear. Sprinkle generously with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and onion powder. Don’t be shy; make sure they’re coated evenly on all sides. I always feel a bit like a seasoned chef during this step, even if my kitchen counter is a complete disaster zone with spices everywhere.
- Sear for Golden Goodness:: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and have a lovely crust. Don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of sear. My first attempt, I crammed them all in, and they looked sad and grey, not golden. Oops! Give them space!
- Garlic and Butter Magic:: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the pan. Let the butter melt and the garlic get fragrant, about a minute or so. Swirl it around the pan, letting the flavors meld. This step always makes my kitchen smell absolutely divine, honestly. I usually take a deep breath here and just enjoy the moment, it’s a tiny aromatherapy session!
- Broth Bath Time:: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Now, spoon that incredible broth mixture over the chicken breasts. This step is super important for keeping that Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast incredibly juicy and tender. I sometimes get lost in the spooning, it’s quite meditative, and I can literally see the chicken soaking up all that goodness.
- Simmer to Perfection:: Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil if your skillet doesn’t have one) and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The steam helps infuse all those wonderful flavors and keeps the chicken unbelievably tender. Don’t peek too much; let it work its magic!
- Rest and Garnish:: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Resting is non-negotiable, it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent. Slice it up, drizzle with the glorious pan sauce, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon. Look at that Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast! So good, and totally worth the wait.