Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast

This tender chicken dish, cooked in a buttery garlic sauce, is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 340 kcal

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.25 pounds total) Pound to even thickness for quick, even cooking.
1 teaspoon kosher salt Adjust to taste.
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil Avocado oil can be used for a higher smoke point.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter For a lighter option, substitute with light butter or use a tablespoon less.
3 cloves garlic, minced Alternatively, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth White wine can be substituted for a brighter sauce.
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed Bottled lemon works too.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Optional, for added depth.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley Dried parsley can be used as a swap.

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
If the breasts are thick, place them between plastic wrap and gently pound to about 1/2-inch thickness.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and when it shimmers, add the chicken.
Let it sear without moving for 4 minutes until golden crust forms. Turn and sear the other side for 3–4 minutes until cooked through.
Remove chicken to a warm plate.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan. As butter melts and browns slightly, swirl the pan to loosen fond.
Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits. Stir in Dijon mustard if using, and let sauce simmer and reduce for 1–2 minutes.
Return chicken to the pan for 1 minute, spooning sauce to glaze. Finish with chopped parsley and an extra pat of butter if desired.
Serve immediately.

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for olive oil and finish with coconut milk. For more herbs, consider thyme or rosemary.

Keyword Buttery Chicken, Chicken, Easy Dinner, Family Recipe, Melt In Your Mouth