Description
Simple Chicken Dinner with Boneless Breast – effortlessly delicious, packed with flavor. This weeknight recipe is a keeper for busy evenings and happy plates.
Ingredients
- Main Stars:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Lemon (juice and zest)
- Herb & Spice Blend:
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh Finish & Optional Add-ins:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Chicken for a Simple Chicken Dinner: Okay, first things first: grab those boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If they’re super thick, I usually butterfly them or pound them gently between two pieces of plastic wrap until they’re about 3/4-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and quickly, which is essential for a truly simple chicken dinner. Pat them *really* dry with paper towels; honestly, this is where I used to mess up, and my chicken would steam instead of getting that gorgeous sear. Don’t skip this!
- Step 2: Season Those Breasts!: Now for the flavor! Sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Don’t be shy! This is where a lot of the initial flavor comes from. I usually do this right on my cutting board, and honestly, a little mess is fine. Just make sure every surface gets some love. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add a pinch here too. I always try to imagine the herbs infusing into the chicken, making it extra delicious.
- Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection: Heat a large skillet (my cast iron is my favorite for this!) over medium-high heat. Add a good drizzle of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, hon! You might need to do this in batches. Sear for about 4-6 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. I love the smell of the chicken searing, it always makes my kitchen feel like a fancy restaurant, honestly!
- Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep it warm. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Don’t let it burn, that’s a mistake I’ve made before and it makes everything bitter! If you’re adding cherry tomatoes, throw them in now and let them soften slightly.
- Step 5: Simmer and Finish Your Simple Chicken Dinner: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious brown bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – that’s pure flavor right there! Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken. This is where the magic happens, as the sauce concentrates. If you’re adding spinach, stir it in now until it just wilts down. It’s amazing how much spinach disappears!
- Step 6: Lemon, Parsley, and Serve!: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Give it a taste; does it need a little more salt or pepper? Don’t be afraid to adjust! Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of that incredible sauce over them. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the golden chicken and rich sauce? It just looks so inviting. Let it rest for a minute, then serve this Simple Chicken Dinner with Boneless Breast immediately!