Description
This pan-roasted chicken breasts recipe delivers crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat underneath. The chicken is seared in olive oil, then finished with a tangy apple cider vinegar and butter pan sauce enhanced by fresh herbs. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a simple and elegant dinner option perfect for any night.
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
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 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down in the skillet and sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs on top if using. Cook without moving them until the skin is golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Cook Through: Flip the chicken breasts carefully and continue cooking on the other side for about 5 minutes more, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 150°F (66°C).
- Make Pan Sauce: Add ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar and all the cold butter pieces to the skillet with the chicken. Gently shake or swirl the skillet to melt the butter and deglaze the pan. Continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), approximately 2 to 3 minutes more. This will create a rich and tangy pan sauce.
- Finish and Serve: If the sauce is too thick, stir in up to 1 tablespoon of chicken broth or water to thin it to your desired consistency. Serve the chicken breasts immediately, spooning the warm pan sauce over them for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Using skin-on chicken breasts ensures a crispy, flavorful crust.
- Instant-read meat thermometer is recommended for safe and precise cooking.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add bright, aromatic notes to the dish.
- You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white wine vinegar or lemon juice for different flavor profiles.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
