Description
This Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts recipe delivers perfectly crispy skin and juicy, tender meat using a simple skillet technique. Finished with a tangy apple cider vinegar and butter pan sauce seasoned with fresh herbs, it’s a quick and elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breast halves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary) – Optional
Pan Sauce
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon chicken broth (or water), if needed to thin sauce
Instructions
- Season and Sear: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the hot skillet and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if using. Cook until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Cook Through: Flip the chicken breasts to the other side and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F (66°C), approximately 5 more minutes.
- Make Pan Sauce: Add the apple cider vinegar and cold butter pieces directly to the skillet with the chicken. Gently swirl or shake the pan to melt the butter and combine it with the vinegar, creating a glossy pan sauce. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 2-3 minutes more.
- Finish and Serve: If the sauce is too thick, stir in chicken broth or water a tablespoon at a time to thin it to your desired consistency. Serve the chicken breasts immediately with the pan sauce spooned generously over the top.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for safe cooking and optimal juiciness.
- Chicken breasts with skin help achieve a crispy texture and add flavor.
- You can omit the fresh herbs if unavailable, but they enhance the sauce’s aroma.
- Adjust the amount of vinegar and butter in the pan sauce based on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
