The Best Chicken Breasts
Juicy, flavorful, and effortlessly cooked to perfection, "The Best Chicken Breasts" recipe is your go-to solution for tender, golden-brown chicken every time. Featuring a simple yet irresistible seasoning blend of garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and black pepper, these chicken breasts are seared to create a crisp, golden crust while locking in moisture. Finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice and garnished with parsley, this dish delivers bright, satisfying flavors in just 25 minutes from prep to plate. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, pair this protein-packed main with roasted vegetables, a zesty salad, or fluffy rice for a quick and versatile meal. Perfectly seasoned, easy to cook, and sure to impress—this recipe truly lives up to its name!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 piece lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan to lightly pound the thickest part of each breast until they are an even thickness, about 3/4 inch thick.
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter, swirling to coat the pan evenly.
Once the butter has melted and is sizzling, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, until a golden-brown crust forms.
Flip the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and cook for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. During this time, cut the lemon in half and squeeze fresh juice over the chicken breasts.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy this with your favorite side dishes such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1530 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 64.9 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.6 g | 88% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 605 mg | 202% | |
| Sodium | 2948 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.1 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.8 g | ||
| Protein | 215.4 g | 431% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 186 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
