Description
This Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast recipe combines simple ingredients like garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon juice with a savory balsamic and soy glaze to create tender, juicy chicken breasts. The chicken is first seared for a golden crust and then baked to perfection, resulting in an irresistible dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Marinade
- 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
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and place them on a cutting board to prepare for seasoning.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season them generously with salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped fresh thyme or rosemary. Rub the seasoning evenly across the surface of each breast to ensure full flavor coverage.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little olive oil. Once hot, sear each side of the chicken breasts for about 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in moisture and adds depth of flavor.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet. Let the mixture come to a gentle bubble to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the chicken and sauce into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken breasts to rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender when served.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear and crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Fresh herbs can be swapped with dried if needed; use about 1 tablespoon if dried.
- Letting the chicken rest after baking is key to juicy results.
- Serving suggestion: pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
