Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast
Description
This Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast is tender, juicy, and bursting with buttery garlic-herb flavor. Lightly seared or baked until golden and finished with a rich pan sauce, it stays incredibly moist and literally melts with every bite. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that feels restaurant-quality without complicated steps.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
-
3 tbsp unsalted butter
-
4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or thyme + oregano)
-
1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme (optional but recommended)
-
½ cup chicken broth (or white wine)
-
Optional: 2 tbsp grated Parmesan for extra richness
Instructions
Oven Method (Most Tender)
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
-
Season chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
-
Sear (optional but recommended):
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden. -
Make the sauce:
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in broth and herbs. -
Bake:
Place chicken in the baking dish, pour sauce over it, and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). -
Rest & serve:
Let rest 5 minutes. Spoon extra sauce over the top before serving.
Skillet-Only Method
-
Cover the skillet after adding sauce and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
Pro Tips for “Melt-In-Your-Mouth” Texture
-
Pound chicken lightly for even thickness
-
Don’t overcook — use a thermometer
-
Resting time locks in juices
-
Butter + broth = unbeatable tenderness
-
Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference
Serving Suggestions
-
Garlic mashed potatoes
-
Rice or buttered noodles
-
Roasted vegetables
-
Fresh green salad
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
-
Calories: 320
-
Protein: 35g
-
Fat: 20g
-
Carbohydrates: 2g
-
Sodium: 520mg
(Values vary based on butter and portion size)
Benefits of This Recipe
-
High-protein, filling meal
-
Quick and easy (30 minutes total)
-
Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
-
Customizable with herbs, cheese, or sauces
-
Works for meal prep and leftovers
Recipe Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Thighs are even juicier—cook about 5 minutes longer.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze cooked chicken with sauce for up to 2 months.
Q: How do I keep chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook, use butter, and let it rest before cutting.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
Yes—add mushrooms, spinach, or asparagus to the pan sauce.