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Juicy, golden-brown fried chicken: Seriously Good, Unbelievable Chicken featured image.
Lady Maria

Seriously Good Chicken

This recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken that's incredibly easy to make. The chicken is marinated in a savory-sweet mixture, seared for added depth, and baked to perfection, resulting in restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Zip-top bag or shallow dish
  • paper towels
  • Large skillet (oven-safe preferred)
  • Baking dish (if skillet is not oven-safe)
  • meat thermometer
  • measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  7. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly crispy.
  8. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  9. Transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) to the oven, or place the seared chicken breasts in a baking dish.
  10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  11. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
  12. Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat. Searing the chicken before baking adds a delicious depth of flavor and texture. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to prevent drying out. For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.