Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner or celebrate a special occasion with this incredible pan-seared chicken, beautifully complemented by a bright and tangy citrus butter sauce. This recipe is designed to bring restaurant-quality flavors to your table without any fuss, making it perfect for busy home cooks who still want to impress. The delicate sear on the chicken combined with the zesty, rich sauce creates a truly memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. 1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. 2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot pan. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. 3. Cook Until Golden: Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
4. 4. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
5. 5. Make the Citrus Butter Sauce: While the chicken is resting, return the skillet to medium heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, fresh orange juice, fresh lemon juice, and fresh lime juice to the pan.
6. 6. Simmer and Reduce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened and reduced by about one-third. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. 7. Serve with Garnish: Place the rested chicken breasts on serving plates. Spoon the warm citrus butter sauce generously over each piece of chicken. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: pan-searing
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Keywords: chicken, pan-seared, citrus, butter sauce, weeknight, easy, dinner, quick, elegant, main course
