Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Additional Time: 5 minutes (resting time)

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Steps to Cook:

1. Prepare the Chicken: a. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.

2. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: a. Place a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and let it heat up for 2-3 minutes. b. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.

3. Sear the Chicken: a. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. b. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. c. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Deglaze the Pan: a. Reduce the heat to medium and add the chicken broth (or white wine) to the skillet. b. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. c. Allow the liquid to simmer for 1-2 minutes.

5. Finish Cooking the Chicken: a. Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them in the liquid. b. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. c. Cook the chicken for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. d. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken to a cutting board.

6. Finish the Dish: a. Add the unsalted butter to the skillet and swirl to melt it, creating a rich sauce. b. Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a serving platter. c. Drizzle the butter sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Cook’s Note:

• Allowing the cast iron skillet to preheat properly is crucial for achieving a nice sear on the chicken.
• Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
• If the sauce seems too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it for an extra minute or two.
• Serve the chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

This juicy garlic butter chicken is a delicious and easy-to-prepare main dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of the savory seasoning, the seared chicken, and the rich butter sauce creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

The key to achieving the perfect sear on the chicken is to make sure the cast iron skillet is properly preheated before adding the chicken. This will help create a nice golden-brown crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

The addition of the chicken broth (or white wine) in the deglazing step helps to create a flavorful sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. The unsalted butter added at the end adds a luxurious richness to the dish.

Garnishing the chicken with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal note that balances out the richness of the dish.

Serve this juicy garlic butter chicken with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors and tender texture of this easy-to-make chicken dish.