Description
Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast is a foolproof recipe to achieve juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked chicken every time. Using simple pantry ingredients like buttermilk or Greek yogurt for marination, this dish features a golden sear and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s quick, versatile, and ideal for both beginners and seasoned cooks aiming for consistently flavorful and soft chicken breasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for cooking
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Variations
- Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
- Coconut milk or acidulated water mixture (for dairy-free version)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano (herb-infused)
- Lime juice, ginger, and soy sauce (Asian flair)
- Smoky barbecue rub (for smoky BBQ flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk (or Greek yogurt), 2 tablespoons olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This acidic mixture tenderizes the chicken by breaking down tough muscle fibers.
- Marinate the Chicken: Fully coat the chicken breasts in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. The pan should be hot enough to create a golden crust that seals in juices.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off. Place breasts gently in the hot skillet and cook 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip carefully to cook evenly and avoid drying out.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and loosely cover with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Notes
- Use even-sized chicken breasts for uniform cooking.
- Never skip the marinade; it’s crucial for tenderness and flavor.
- Pat the chicken dry before searing to get a golden-brown crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
- Always let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Cook on medium heat to avoid burning or rubbery texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: juicy chicken breast, tender chicken, easy chicken recipe, buttermilk chicken, pan-fried chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free chicken