Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Pan Glazed Chicken with Basil, a dish that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners to gourmet status! With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe combines tender chicken breasts with the fresh, aromatic essence of basil, creating a delightful harmony that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Get ready to unlock the secrets of perfectly glazed chicken that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and golden-brown exterior.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, laying them away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop without moving the chicken.
- Flip chicken breasts and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes on the second side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the chicken, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic oils.
- Let chicken rest in the pan for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors and ensure maximum juiciness.
- Transfer chicken to serving plates and spoon remaining pan juices and basil over the top.
Tips
- Room Temperature Chicken: Always remove the chicken breasts from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking. This simple step ensures even cooking and a juicy result.
- Pat Dry for Perfection: Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This helps achieve a beautifully seared, golden-brown exterior that adds both flavor and texture.
- Generous Seasoning: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously to enhance the overall taste.
- Hot Skillet Magic: Heat the olive oil until it shimmers but isn’t smoking. This is the sweet spot for achieving that perfect sear on your chicken.
- Leave It Alone: Once you place the chicken in the skillet, resist the urge to move it around. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes to develop a crispy crust.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe and delicious results.
- Deglaze for Flavor: After cooking, pour chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up those flavorful browned bits. This step adds depth to your pan sauce.
- Basil Bliss: Add the freshly chopped basil at the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant flavor and aroma. This will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
- Resting is Key: Let the chicken rest in the pan for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Spoon on the Goodness: When serving, don’t forget to drizzle the remaining pan juices and basil over the chicken for an extra burst of flavor that your guests will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
