Garlic Chicken with Steamed Basmati Rice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Chicken

   • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures they cook evenly.
   • Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
   • Spread the all-purpose flour on a shallow plate. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, coating both sides, then gently shake off any excess.
2. 2

   Sear the Chicken

   • In a large skillet or pan, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat.
   • Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the floured chicken breasts in the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in two batches if necessary.
   • Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown, crisp, and cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
   • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.
3. 3

   Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

   • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet.
   • Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning, as burnt garlic will taste bitter.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—this is where the flavor is!
   • Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly.
4. 4

   Combine and Serve

   • Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
   • Spoon the garlic sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to warm through and absorb the flavors.
   • Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.