Imagine cutting into a chicken breast so tender and flavorful that it melts in your mouth, with a golden-brown crust that promises pure culinary delight. This butter sauteed chicken breast recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality dinner magic right in your own kitchen! Whether you're a home cook looking to impress or someone seeking a quick and delicious meal, this foolproof method will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering masterpiece that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure even browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage.
- Place a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Add butter to the pan and allow it to melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Once butter is fully melted and begins to foam slightly, carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
- Cook chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes on the first side, without moving, until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip chicken breasts using tongs and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer - chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove chicken from pan and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
- Optional: Baste chicken with remaining butter in the pan for extra flavor before serving.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning - this is crucial for achieving that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Don't move the chicken while it's cooking the first side - this helps create a beautiful, crispy exterior.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) - this guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the butter while cooking.
- If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, consider pounding them to create a uniform thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Use unsalted butter to have better control over the salt content of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
