Description
A tender and flavorful chicken breast recipe that combines a savory marinade with a quick sear and oven baking to achieve juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results perfect for an easy, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade & Seasoning
- 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 the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place them on a cutting board, drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Rub the mixture evenly over the chicken to coat thoroughly.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts, cooking each side for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Add Liquids for Flavor: Pour the chicken broth, soy sauce, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the chicken. Allow it to bubble and reduce slightly to infuse the chicken with rich flavors.
- Bake Until Done: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe and juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and keeps the meat tender.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for perfectly cooked chicken.
- The searing step locks in juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary enhance aroma and taste, but dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
- Resting the chicken before slicing is crucial to keep it moist and tender.
- Low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth help control salt levels in this dish.
