Tender Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast with Pan Sauce (Print Version)

Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast: Discover how to make perfectly tender, juicy chicken every time. Your new favorite weeknight meal!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Nut-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total)
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
06 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Seasonings & Finishing Touches

07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken breasts super dry with paper towels. This is CRITICAL for getting a good sear, seriously. If they're wet, they'll steam instead of brown, and we don't want that. If your chicken breasts are thicker than an inch, place them between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and helps achieve that tender Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken texture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Don't be shy here; this is where flavor starts!
02 - Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (my cast iron is my go-to for this) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and half of the butter. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown and have a nice crust. This searing step is key for locking in juices and creating that lovely texture for our Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken. Don't touch them too much while they're searing; let that crust form!
03 - Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Don't clean the pan! We want all those yummy browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium, then add the remaining butter to the skillet. Once melted, toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30-60 seconds, until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point is just heavenly! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it's essential for a rich sauce.
04 - Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it reduce by about half, which usually takes 3-5 minutes. You'll notice it start to thicken slightly. Once it's reduced, stir in the heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken further. This creamy base is what makes this a truly Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast experience. Taste it now and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
05 - Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon some of that glorious sauce over the chicken. Cover the skillet and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This gentle simmering in the sauce helps finish cooking the chicken while keeping it incredibly moist and ensures our Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast is perfectly cooked through.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for a couple of minutes before serving. This resting period is important, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, spooning extra creamy sauce over each piece. It should be juicy, tender, and just fall apart! Enjoy your perfect Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast!

# Notes:

01 - Patting the chicken dry is non-negotiable for a good sear; don't skip it!
02 - Leftovers are best gently reheated on the stovetop to keep the chicken juicy.
03 - No fresh parsley? A pinch of dried Italian herbs works, but fresh is truly best here.
04 - Serve with mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet (cast iron recommended)
02 - cutting board
03 - meat thermometer
04 - whisk
05 - wooden spoon

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 40g

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