Are you tired of boring chicken dinners? Craving a healthy, delicious, and easy weeknight meal? Then look no further! Split chicken breasts are a game-changer. They cook incredibly quickly, absorb flavors beautifully, and are incredibly versatile. This post will guide you through several delicious split chicken breast recipes perfect for busy weeknights, offering a variety of flavors and cooking methods to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Get ready to elevate your chicken game!
Ingredients: (Makes 2 servings)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied (or split lengthwise)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a delicious smoky flavor)
(Variations will list additional ingredients below)
Instructions: Basic Pan-Seared Split Chicken Breast
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and nicely browned.
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Reduce Heat & Cook Through: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked through.
Delicious Variations:
Lemon Herb Split Chicken Breast:
- Additional Ingredients: 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano), 1 clove garlic, minced.
- Instructions: Add the lemon juice, herbs, and minced garlic to the skillet along with the olive oil before searing the chicken. Continue with steps 2 & 3 above.
Creamy Mushroom Split Chicken Breast:
- Additional Ingredients: 8 ounces sliced mushrooms, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Sauté the mushrooms in butter until tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet once cooked. Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring until slightly thickened. Return the chicken to the sauce and stir in the parsley.
Garlic Parmesan Split Chicken Breast:
- Additional Ingredients: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- Instructions: Mix the minced garlic and parmesan cheese and sprinkle generously over the chicken before searing.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Split Chicken Breasts:
- Butterflying/Splitting: If your chicken breasts aren't already butterflied, carefully slice them horizontally almost all the way through to create a thinner, more even piece of chicken that cooks faster and more evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Rest the chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300 (depending on variations)
- Protein: Approximately 30-35 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas, healthy meals, and homemade cooking. Enjoy your delicious and juicy split chicken breasts! They're a versatile and satisfying addition to your weekly meal plan. Remember to adjust seasonings to your liking – experiment and have fun creating your own unique variations!