Description
This Pan-Roasted Chicken Breasts recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts with perfectly crispy skin, enhanced by a flavorful pan sauce made from apple cider vinegar and butter. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a quick and elegant main dish perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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 large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down into the hot skillet and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs if using. Cook without moving until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
- Cook Through: Flip the chicken breasts and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 150°F (66°C), about 5 minutes more. This ensures the chicken is mostly cooked through.
- Make Pan Sauce: Add the apple cider vinegar and the cold butter pieces to the skillet. Gently shake the skillet and stir as the butter melts, mixing it with the vinegar to create a rich sauce. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: If the sauce is too thick, stir in up to 1 tablespoon of chicken broth or water to thin it. Spoon the buttery pan sauce over the chicken breasts immediately and serve hot for a delicious, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Using skin-on chicken breasts is key for achieving crispy skin.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add bright flavor to the dish.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken without drying out.
- The pan sauce is versatile and can be adjusted with a splash of chicken broth or water for desired consistency.
- Serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
