Print

Always Perfect Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

 

2 Medium garlic clove (minced)

1 Large lemon (zested)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

4 small chicken breast halves (bone-in, skin-on)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

On a cutting board, combine and mince together the garlic and the lemon zest. Add salt and pepper and combine well to create the seasoning mix for the chicken.

Place the chicken breasts, one at a time, in a gallon zip lock bag and, using a heavy cast iron skillet or a meat mallet, pound the chicken to an even 1/2 inch thickness. (This will only take a couple of good whacks and the bones will break as the breast flattens)

Rub the chicken on all sides with the seasoning mixture, being sure to get a little bit under the skin as well. Place seasoned chicken on a plate or tray and refrigerate uncovered for 2 hours or up to overnight.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat a large cast iron skillet (or other heavy oven proof skillet) over high heat. Add the olive oil. Add 2 of the chicken breasts, skin side down, and cook over high heat until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and repeat with remaining 2 chicken breasts. When they are ready, return the first 2 breasts to the pan, making sure that all 4 are skin side up now, and roast in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until just cooked through. (Time will vary depending on size of chicken breasts, cook to 160 degrees or until juices just run clear) Let rest for 5 minutes and serve.