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Melt in Your Mouth Chicken

Tender, juicy chicken that melts in your mouth thanks to a simple marinade, precise cooking, and a quick rest.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts or thighs about 6 ounces each
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or 1 tablespoon fresh
  • 1 tablespoon butter for cooking

Equipment

  • Large shallow bowl or zip-top plastic bag
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • 12-inch skillet or cast iron pan
  • Meat thermometer (instant-read)
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Pound the chicken to an even 3/4 inch thickness using a meat mallet between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
  2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs until combined.
  3. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, sealing and massaging to coat; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Remove chicken from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature, then pat dry and reserve marinade.
  5. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat for 1 minute, then add butter and any remaining marinade oil and swirl to coat.
  6. Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown on the first side.
  7. Flip the chicken, baste with pan juices, and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  8. Transfer chicken to a plate and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

This chicken is perfect for meal prep and pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, pasta, or a green salad.