This Easy Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast dish is super tender and juicy. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
You won’t believe how quickly it cooks! I often serve it with veggies or rice, and my family loves it. It’s a fun way to enjoy chicken without a lot of fuss. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish, ensuring tenderness. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, you can also use chicken thighs, which are more flavorful.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk makes the chicken super tender. If you don’t have it, plain yogurt works great too. Mix one part yogurt with one part water to create a similar consistency.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps cook the chicken evenly. You might use avocado oil or canola oil as a substitute if you need a higher smoke point or different flavor.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on what you enjoy. For extra kick, you might add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use herbs like oregano instead of thyme.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy and Tender?
The key to juicy chicken is in the marinating and resting steps. First, marinating in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps break down the proteins, making the chicken tender. Allow at least 30 minutes for this.
- After cooking, don’t skip the resting time! Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps retain moisture.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking—165°F (74°C) is perfect!
How to Make Easy Melt In Your Mouth Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt as a substitute)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus 30 minutes to 4 hours for marinating the chicken in buttermilk. Cooking will take around 15 minutes. So, total time can vary from 55 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes, depending on your marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in a bowl or ziplock bag. Pour the buttermilk (or yogurt) over the chicken and ensure each piece is well coated. This is important as it tenderizes the chicken, making it melt in your mouth! Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 4 hours in the fridge.
2. Prepare the Chicken for Cooking:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and allow any excess buttermilk to drip off. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they achieve that nice golden brown color when cooked.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme (if using). Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with this spice mix for wonderful flavor.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute (be careful not to burn it!). Then, add the chicken breasts to the skillet.
5. Sear One Side:
Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes on one side. This will give it a beautiful golden brown crust.
6. Flip and Add Butter:
Carefully flip the chicken breasts over and add the butter to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the chicken while it cooks for another 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is key to ensuring the juices stay locked inside, which keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your chicken with freshly chopped parsley and serve it warm. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes like vegetables or rice for a complete meal!
Enjoy your tender, juicy, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken breasts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be a great alternative as they are more flavorful and tend to stay juicy during cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or make your own by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before using.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep it tender and juicy.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken breasts in buttermilk and seasoning a day before you plan to cook. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook to maximize flavor and tenderness.
