Garlic Butter Chicken

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. If the chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking.
2. Sear the chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and almost cooked through (internal temperature of about 155°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Make the garlic butter sauce
   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add the butter and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Finish the sauce
   Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
5. Return chicken to the pan
   Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, along with any accumulated juices. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
6. Serve
   Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken. Serve immediately, spooning additional garlic butter sauce over each chicken breast. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.