Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's not only delicious but also impressively simple? Introducing the "Tasty Huge Chicken Breasts" recipe, a succulent and juicy meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep time, you can whip up a mouthwatering feast in under 40 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to deliver tender chicken with a crispy exterior that will leave everyone craving more. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear and crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a seasoning blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts, gently pressing the spices into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper browning.
- Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
- Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the chicken breasts against the grain and serve hot with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Let the chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking. This step helps them cook evenly, resulting in juicy and tender meat.
- Dry for a Crispy Finish: Patting the chicken dry with paper towels is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear. Removing excess moisture allows the chicken to brown nicely and develop a crispy crust.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! Ensure you evenly coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the garlic and onion powder mixture, pressing it into the meat for maximum flavor.
- Perfect Heat: When heating the olive oil, look for it to shimmer but not smoke. This indicates that it’s hot enough to create that coveted golden-brown crust without burning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects the texture and flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked while remaining juicy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest for 5-7 minutes after cooking. This step is essential for redistributing the juices, ensuring every slice is tender and flavorful.
- Serve with Style: Slice the chicken against the grain for the most tender bites and pair it with your favorite sides to create a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 110mg
