Description
This Best Chicken Ever recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection and baked in a creamy garlic sauce. Aromatic spices and a rich, velvety sauce make this dish perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner. The recipe is gluten-free and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and dried oregano to ensure a flavorful crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the chicken broth and Dijon mustard, letting the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken.
- Add Cream and Simmer: Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer, ensuring it thickens slightly but does not boil.
- Bake the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce over each piece, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven, spoon some extra sauce over the chicken breasts for maximum flavor, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream and butter with full-fat coconut milk and plant-based butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
