This Easy Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast recipe is super simple and oh-so-tender! With just a few ingredients, you get juicy chicken that’s full of flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make this dish easy and tender. You could use thighs instead for more flavor and juiciness, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder add great flavor. If you’re out of one, just double the other! Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can also work well in place of dried thyme.
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work to keep the chicken moist. I prefer olive oil for a healthier choice, but butter adds a nice rich flavor. You can mix them for the best of both worlds!
Chicken Broth: This helps keep the chicken moist as it bakes. If unavailable, just plain water works too! You can use vegetable broth for a different depth of flavor.
How Can I Get My Chicken to Stay Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy is all about ensuring it cooks evenly and retains moisture. Start by gently pounding the chicken to even out its thickness—this helps it cook at the same rate.
- When searing, make sure your pan is hot to achieve a nice golden color.
- Cover the baking dish with foil to lock in steam and moisture while it cooks.
- Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender.
Easy Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, for extra tenderness and flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking time, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious chicken in less than an hour! Add an extra 5 minutes for resting to let those juices settle.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook uniformly, making them super tender.
3. Mix Your Seasonings:
In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. This flavorful mix will coat your chicken beautifully.
4. Season the Chicken:
Rub your seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure to cover every inch to get all that yummy flavor in!
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they have a lovely golden brown crust. This step seals in the juices and adds great taste!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Now, transfer your seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the chicken broth (or water) around the chicken. If you’re using lemon juice, pour that in too—it adds a nice zing! Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture inside.
7. Cooking Time:
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender to the fork.
8. Let It Rest:
Once it’s ready, carefully remove the dish from the oven (be careful, it’s hot!) and allow the chicken to rest covered for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making it even juicier.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it warm with your favorite sides, like rice, veggies, or a fresh salad. Get ready for a melt-in-your-mouth experience!
Enjoy your juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken breast!
FAQ for Easy Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking! Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed bag submerged in cold water to speed things up.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can replace chicken broth with water, or even use vegetable broth for a subtle flavor. If you have a bouillon cube, dissolve it in water to create a quick broth substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep the chicken moist when reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and season it in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, follow the same baking instructions for a quick and tasty meal!
