Baked Chicken Breast

Juicy, golden, foolproof

Prep: Cook: Serves: 4

Ingredients

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  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions

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  1. Pat chicken very dry. Season generously.
  2. Heat oil in oven-safe skillet over medium-high until smoking.
  3. Add chicken, sear without moving until golden, .
  4. Flip. Add butter, garlic, thyme.
  5. Transfer to 425°F oven. Roast until 160°F internal, .
  6. Rest . Spoon pan juices over chicken.

Notes

  • Dry chicken = better browning.
  • Use thermometer - overcooked breast is dry.
  • Resting is crucial.

Serious Eats (Kenji López-Alt tested)