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Amazing Skillet Chicken

Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts cooked in a garlic butter lemon sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5–2 pounds
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 lemon juice + zest
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
Optional
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream optional for creamy sauce
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • Skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
  • Tongs
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear chicken breasts for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Add chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, oregano, and thyme. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
  6. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook 2–3 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Optional: stir in heavy cream and Parmesan for a creamy sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice for a complete meal.