Crispy-Skin Chicken Breasts

Name: Crispy-Skin Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup olive oil; 6 medium garlic cloves, 3 peeled and smashed, 3 minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed; 2 tablespoons canola oil; 1 cup dry white wine; 3 to 4 tablespoons (1/3 to 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, chilled

Chicken Chicken Breast Italian White Wine Healthy Butter Thyme Herbs Garlic Poultry Main Dish Easy

Save (80)

Rate

4 servings Easy

(2) Total: 40 mins, plus at least 2 hrs marinating time Active: 20 mins

PREVIOUS: Prosciutto and Fontina–Stuffed Chicken Breasts... NEXT: Easy Broiled Chicken Breasts

Ingredients (11)

4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts, about 8 ounces each
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup olive oil
6 medium garlic cloves, 3 peeled and smashed, 3 minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup dry white wine
3 to 4 tablespoons (1/3 to 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, chilled

Nutritional Information

Calories700
Fat51.63g
Saturated fat14.82g
Trans fat0.67g
Carbs3.24g
Fiber0.45g
Sugar0.42g
Protein47.82g
Cholesterol171.86mg
Sodium147.44mg
Nutritional Analysis per serving (4 servings) Powered by

Tip

How to Store Chicken

Raw or cooked chicken can be stored in a refrigerator for a few days, though it’s important to prevent raw chicken juices from leaking and contaminating other foods. Ensure that chicken remains in its original packaging (which should be vacuum-sealed or tightly-wrapped) until it is ready to be cooked.

1 of 3

Next: How to Freeze Chicken

Tip

How to Freeze Chicken

While freezing will make your chicken less tender and juicy, it is the perfect way to store the family-sized pack you bought at Costco last weekend. Remove the chicken from its original packaging and rewrap it tightly using aluminum foil, plastic wrap, or freezer paper. Double wrap if you are planning to store the chicken for more than two months. Ground chicken can last up to three months in the freezer, while chicken pieces can last up to nine.

2 of 3

Next: How to Thaw Chicken

Tip

How to Thaw Chicken

You should never thaw chicken at room temperature, as it is highly susceptible to bacteria growth. Frozen chicken should either be thawed in the microwave, in the refrigerator, or in cold water (which should be changed every 30 minutes).

3 of 3

Next: How to Store Chicken

Crispy skin is the dividend from this easy recipe for pan-fried chicken breasts using the principles of brick chicken. We’ve simplified things by using a second skillet to do the pressing—the weight causes the skin to make full contact with the skillet, so every bit of it browns. After the chicken cooks, you make a quick pan sauce of garlic, white wine, and butter (to avoid the alcohol, substitute half a cup each of water and low-sodium chicken broth for the wine). Serve with Easy Glazed Carrots.

by Kim Laidlaw

Instructions

1Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper. In a large zippered plastic bag, combine the olive oil, whole smashed garlic, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add the chicken and rub the marinade all over to coat each breast. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or as long as overnight.
2Remove the chicken breasts from the bag, letting the excess marinade drip off. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Place a large cast-iron or other heavy frying pan over medium-high heat. Have ready a second cast-iron or heavy frying pan that fits just inside the first one, as if they’re nesting.
3When the first pan is very hot, add the canola oil. When the oil is hot (it should shimmer but not smoke), put the chicken breasts in the pan skin-side down. Cover with a piece of aluminum foil that just covers the breasts. Place the second frying pan on top of the foil covering the chicken breasts.
4Reduce the heat to medium and cook, without moving the chicken, until the skin is crispy and a deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the pan and foil, turn the chicken halves over, and continue to cook until a thermometer in the thickest part of the breast registers 160°F, about 5 minutes longer. Transfer the chicken to a warm platter and let rest for 10 minutes while you make the sauce.
5Return the frying pan to the stovetop over medium-high heat. Add the wine and minced garlic and bring to a boil, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any browned bits. Cook for about 4 minutes. Add the butter in pieces, whisking it into the sauce until the sauce is smooth and silky. Transfer the chicken to warmed serving plates and spoon over the sauce.