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Melt In Your Mouth Chicken

Melt In Your Mouth Chicken
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This Melt In Your Mouth Chicken recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken quickly and easily. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it uses a simple marinade of yogurt or buttermilk and spices, achieving gourmet results without the fuss. The method ensures moist, perfectly cooked chicken with a delicious golden sear and is easily adaptable to various flavor profiles and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or buttermilk
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
  • Fresh herbs (optional): parsley or thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt or buttermilk with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth and fragrant. This marinade will gently tenderize the chicken while layering in subtle, savory notes.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. Even a short marination softens the meat beautifully.
  3. Preheat and Prepare to Cook: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or butter. Ensure it’s hot before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect sear that locks in juices and adds a lovely golden color.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the skillet, cooking undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on one side until golden. Flip carefully and cook the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Adjust cooking time based on thickness; the goal is juicy, fully cooked chicken that’s tender and easy to slice.
  5. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes on a plate. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite stays moist and flavorful.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Marinate between 20 minutes and 2 hours; too long can overly break down texture.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat and better searing.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer; aim for 165°F for safe and perfect cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: tender chicken, quick chicken recipe, juicy chicken, glazed chicken, easy chicken dinner, weeknight meals, pan-seared chicken

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/melt-in-your-mouth-chicken/