Description
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seared to a golden brown and then baked in a flavorful mixture of garlic, herbs, lemon juice, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar. Perfectly balanced and easy to prepare, this dish is a delicious and healthy main course ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped
Sauce and Broth
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking your chicken breast evenly after searing.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry on a cutting board. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over each piece, then season generously with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped thyme or rosemary. Rub all the seasonings evenly onto the chicken to maximize flavor absorption.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a skillet on medium and add a small amount of olive oil. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for 4-5 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in moisture and flavor.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar around the chicken in the skillet. Allow the mixture to bubble gently so the flavors meld and begin to infuse the chicken.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked safely and thoroughly.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least five minutes to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a moist and tender bite before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use a skillet that is oven-safe for seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Resting the chicken after baking helps retain moisture for a juicy texture.
- Using low-sodium chicken broth and soy sauce controls the saltiness of the dish.
- You can substitute the fresh herbs with dried ones, but reduce the quantity to about 1 tablespoon.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
