Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece with just a few simple ingredients and a magical technique called brown butter. This Skillet Chicken with Brown Butter and Fresh Herbs isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent. With golden-crusted chicken, aromatic herbs, and a rich, nutty brown butter sauce, this recipe promises to become your new go-to dinner that will have everyone asking, "What's your secret?"
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 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This will help enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt and become slightly bubbly.
- Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on one side without moving them, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the brown butter sauce. In a separate small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter starts to foam and turn a light golden brown, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the butter is browned, remove it from the heat and stir in the minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and chopped thyme. The residual heat will release the flavors of the herbs and garlic. Set this mixture aside.
- After 6-7 minutes, carefully flip the chicken breasts over in the skillet. Cook for an additional 6-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Pour the brown butter sauce over the chicken, ensuring that the garlic and herbs are evenly distributed.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will ensure that the chicken remains juicy and tender.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Pat your chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and better browning.
- Watch your brown butter closely—it can quickly go from beautifully golden to burnt.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Choose fresh herbs if possible, as they provide more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain proper heat and achieve perfect browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 180mg
