Garlic Chicken Breasts (Printable version)
Tender chicken breasts cooked in garlic butter sauce with thyme and lemon, perfect for quick meals.
# List of ingredients:
→ Poultry
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 21 oz)
→ Marinade & Sauce
02 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
03 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
06 - 1 teaspoon paprika
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
09 - Juice of ½ lemon
10 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
→ Optional Garnish
11 - Lemon wedges
# Directions:
01 - Pat chicken breasts dry and evenly season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a plate.
03 - Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant without browning.
04 - Stir in thyme and lemon juice, scraping browned bits from skillet bottom to incorporate.
05 - Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over breasts, and simmer 2 to 3 minutes to meld flavors.
06 - Sprinkle chopped parsley over chicken and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This chicken comes out tender and juicy every single time, like a comforting secret shared between friends
- The garlic butter sauce is so simple yet packed with such rich flavor, it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen
02 -
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures that you get that perfect golden crust every time
- Don’t rush the garlic; letting it become fragrant without burning brings out the best mellow aroma that ties the dish together
03 -
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to evenly cook the chicken without hot spots
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to keep juices locked in for maximum tenderness