Description
Quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Dishes Dinner Recipe. My go-to for weeknights, this dish is simple, satisfying, and always a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Players:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Flavor Foundations:
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Seasonings:
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- Fresh Finishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: First things first, pat those chicken breasts really dry with paper towels. This is where I always forget and then wonder why my chicken isn’t browning properly! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here, hon, it makes a huge difference in flavor. If you want, you can even slice them thinner to cook faster, especially if you’re in a real rush, which, let’s be real, I usually am.
- Sear the Chicken:: Heat a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat with a good glug of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Don’t overcrowd it, or it won’t brown! Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. I totally once tried to flip them too early and tore off all that lovely crust. Patience, my friend, patience is key here!
- Build the Flavor Base:: Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary. Oh, the smell! This is where the magic really starts. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant, but watch it closely—burnt garlic is a tragedy, and I’ve definitely had that happen before, oops!
- Deglaze and Sauce It Up:: Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Those bits are flavor gold, don’t leave them behind! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, maybe 3-5 minutes, until it thickens a little. It’ll smell so tangy and herbaceous, you’ll want to just drink it!
- Finish the Sauce:: Once the sauce has reduced, stir in the butter until it melts and the sauce becomes glossy and emulsified. This step really brings it all together, adding that luscious texture. Taste and adjust seasonings – does it need more salt? A pinch more pepper? Maybe another squeeze of lemon? Trust your instincts here!
- Combine and Serve:: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning that amazing sauce over them to coat. Let them warm through for another minute or two. The chicken will soak up all those wonderful flavors. It should look beautifully golden, smell absolutely divine, and taste like pure sunshine. Garnish with a bit more fresh thyme or parsley, because presentation matters, even if it’s just for you!