Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast: Juicy Weeknight Secret (Print Version)

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast: Get the juiciest, most tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights. Your new favorite recipe for effortless deliciousness!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if broth is GF)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Dairy

01 - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (4 medium)
02 - Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons)
03 - Heavy Cream (1/4 cup)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)
05 - Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon)
06 - Onion Powder (1 teaspoon)
07 - Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon)
08 - Paprika (1/2 teaspoon)

→ Pantry Essentials

09 - Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
10 - Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)

→ Fresh Finishers

11 - Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those chicken breasts ready for their glow-up. Pat them <em>super</em> dry with paper towels. Seriously, this is crucial for that beautiful sear we're aiming for – remember my oops moment with the steaming chicken? Then, season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Really rub it in there, like you’re giving them a little spa treatment. I love seeing the spices cling to the chicken, knowing all that flavor is about to get locked in.
02 - Heat your olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is my absolute favorite for this!) over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan, you might need to do this in batches if your skillet isn't huge. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, without moving them, until they're beautifully golden brown. This is where the magic starts to happen; the smell of the searing chicken is just divine, honestly!
03 - Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet, letting it melt and foam. If you're using fresh thyme, toss in a few sprigs now. Tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the chicken with that glorious melted butter and herb mixture. Keep basting for another 2-3 minutes, making sure every inch of the chicken gets coated. This step adds so much richness and keeps the chicken incredibly tender, I didn't expect that the first time I tried it!
04 - Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, around the chicken. Bring it to a gentle simmer. This creates a steamy, flavorful environment that helps cook the chicken through without drying it out. Cover the skillet with a lid (or foil if your skillet doesn't have one) and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken, until it's almost cooked through. I always peek a little, just to make sure it's doing its thing, you know?
05 - Remove the lid and pour in the heavy cream. Give it a gentle stir to combine with the broth and pan drippings. Let it simmer uncovered for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken. The sauce should look luxurious and cling to the chicken. This is where the "Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast" truly lives up to its name, getting incredibly juicy and tender.
06 - Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This is a crucial step! Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is super moist. Slice them against the grain, spoon that incredible creamy pan sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley. It should look vibrant, smell amazing, and taste even better!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip patting the chicken dry; it's the secret to a great sear, I learned that the hard way!
02 - Resist the urge to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F and remove it promptly.
03 - Always let the chicken rest after cooking; those juices need a minute to settle, trust me on this.
04 - The heavy cream is non-negotiable for that truly luscious sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - tongs
03 - measuring spoons and cups
04 - cutting board
05 - instant-read meat thermometer

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 30g

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