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Easy chicken recipe featuring honey garlic chicken and creamy garlic chicken for quick meals.

Go-To Chicken Breast

A quick and easy chicken breast recipe that yields juicy and flavorful results, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced in half horizontally Alternatively, use 3 small breasts.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional) Adds extra flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Can substitute chili powder.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar Balances savory flavors and helps browning.
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons chicken broth or water For a quick pan sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) Brightens the flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the chicken: Cut each breast in half lengthwise for quicker cooking.
  2. Mix the seasoning: Stir together garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
  3. Season both sides: Pat chicken dry, then rub seasoning mixture on both sides.
Cooking
  1. Heat the pan: Set to medium or medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter until melted and sizzling.
  2. Cook the chicken: Place chicken in the pan and do not move for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness.
  3. Make the quick pan sauce: Reduce heat to low, pour in chicken broth, and scrape the browned bits. Add lemon juice if desired and let bubble for 30 to 60 seconds.
  4. Rest the chicken: Move to a plate and let sit for 3 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Notes

You can prepare the chicken in advance to reduce cooking time at dinner. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.