Description
Whip up a satisfying Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe that’s tender, flavorful, and so easy. My family’s favorite weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken & Marinade Base:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 large)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- Sauce Essentials:
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Lemon (1/2, juiced)
- Unsalted Butter (1 tbsp)
- Finishing Touches:
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
Instructions
- Prep & Season the Chicken:: First things first for your Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe, take those chicken breasts out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you want to cook them. This helps them cook more evenly, honestly. Pat them super dry with paper towels—this is crucial for a good sear, don’t skip it! Then, rub them with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re coated all over. I once rushed this and the seasoning was patchy; it just wasn’t as flavorful, oops.
- Sear for Golden Perfection:: Grab your trusty skillet, preferably cast iron if you have one, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a little more olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom. When it’s shimmering, carefully lay your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have too many, do them in batches. Sear for 5-7 minutes without moving them, until they’re beautifully golden brown. I used to poke at them constantly, but letting them be is the secret to that gorgeous crust!
- Flip & Finish Cooking:: Once one side of your Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe is golden, flip those beauties over! Reduce the heat to medium. Now, this is where I sometimes get impatient, but resist the urge to crank the heat. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If they’re extra thick, you might need a minute or two more. The kitchen starts to smell absolutely divine at this point, all savory and a little smoky!
- Rest the Chicken:: This step is probably the most important for keeping your Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe, well, juicy! Once cooked, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and moist. Honestly, if you cut into it too soon, all those delicious juices just run out onto the board. I learned that the hard way, many times!
- Whip Up the Pan Sauce:: While the chicken is resting, let’s make that incredible pan sauce. Add the chicken broth to the hot skillet, scraping up all those flavorful brown bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it’s pure magic! Let it simmer for a minute or two, reducing slightly. The aroma of the broth mingling with the spices is just wonderful; it really brings out the depth of the Juicy Boneless Chicken Breast Dinner Recipe.
- Finish the Sauce & Serve:: Take the skillet off the heat. Stir in the butter and fresh lemon juice until the butter has melted and the sauce is slightly thickened and glossy. Taste it! Does it need a tiny pinch more salt or pepper? Probably not, but hey, you do you. Slice your rested chicken breasts against the grain, spoon that gorgeous pan sauce over them, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. The final result should be chicken that’s tender, flavorful, and swimming in a bright, savory sauce. So good!