Imagine cutting into a golden-brown chicken breast that's so tender it practically melts in your mouth, infused with the aromatic essence of fresh rosemary and rich, velvety butter. This isn't just another chicken recipe - it's a culinary experience that will transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary! Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Once butter is melted and skillet is hot, carefully place chicken breasts in the pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Flip chicken and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a plate, tenting with foil to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add remaining butter, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Sauté garlic and rosemary for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour rosemary butter sauce over chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the chicken.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents dry, overcooked meat.
- Moisture is the Enemy: Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear that locks in flavor.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. 165°F (74°C) is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing, which means goodbye crispy exterior!
- Resting Matters: Always let your chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly succulent.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh rosemary if possible. The difference in flavor compared to dried herbs is remarkable.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 180mg
