Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tsp honey
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for added flavor)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
2. Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
3. Make the Butter Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened butter with honey in a small bowl.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to low and add the butter-honey mixture to the skillet.
- Spoon the melted butter sauce over the chicken, letting it coat evenly for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 350 per serving
Servings: 4
Variations:
- Spicy Butter Chicken:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter-honey sauce for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Butter:
- Add dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the butter-honey mixture for more depth of flavor.
- Lemon Butter Chicken:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the butter sauce or zest some lemon to add a fresh, citrusy flavor to the chicken.
- Cheesy Butter Chicken:
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) over the chicken right before serving for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Tips:
- Avoid Dry Chicken:
- For juicy chicken, make sure not to overcook it. A meat thermometer can help ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (75°C).
- Use Fresh Chicken:
- Fresh, high-quality chicken breasts will give the best results for this recipe.
- Rest the Chicken:
- After removing the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Skillet Alternatives:
- If you don’t have a skillet, you can use a regular frying pan, but cast iron provides better heat retention.
- Leftovers:
- Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s also great for salads or sandwiches!