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Quick Skillet Chicken Dinner for Unthawed Chicken

Quick Skillet Chicken Dinner

This skillet chicken dish is ideal when you forget to thaw chicken. Start by searing frozen chicken breasts, then simmer them in a savory sauce. This method ensures a quick dinner without the need for defrosting, making it a practical choice for busy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts frozen
  • 1 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the frozen chicken breasts. Sear for about 5 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.
  • Flip the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes. This step helps to develop a crust on both sides, enhancing the flavor and texture.
  • Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil, garlic, thyme, and oregano. Stir gently until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the chicken broth to the skillet, ensuring it evenly coats the bottom. Heat over medium until the broth begins to simmer gently. This simmering action will produce steam, which aids in cooking the chicken thoroughly and evenly, ensuring it remains tender and moist throughout the process.
  • Place a lid on the skillet and allow the chicken to simmer gently over medium-low heat for 15 minutes. Check every few minutes to ensure the broth doesn't evaporate entirely, adding more if needed to maintain a small amount of liquid in the pan.
  • Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165 F (74 C) to ensure safe consumption. If not, continue simmering and check every few minutes.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it from the skillet to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high, allowing the sauce to simmer vigorously. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and its aroma intensifies, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the lemon juice and butter to the skillet, stirring gently over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, creating a smooth, glossy sauce. This step imparts a fresh, creamy touch to the dish, enhancing the overall texture and aroma. Ensure the sauce is well combined before serving.
  • Place the chicken back into the skillet, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the sauce by spooning it over the top. Allow the chicken to rest in the simmering sauce for about 2 minutes, enabling it to soak up the aromatic flavors and reach the desired tenderness.
  • Before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a vibrant touch. The parsley's fresh aroma enhances the dish's appeal, providing a pleasant contrast to the savory elements. Ensure the parsley is evenly distributed to achieve a consistent flavor throughout. This simple step adds a visually appealing green accent to the final presentation.

Notes

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) for safe consumption. If using chicken thighs, adjust cooking time as they may cook faster. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.