No essay with this, it’s strictly public service. This is the easiest, most foolproof, improve your quality of life chicken recipe and everyone should have it. If you could get a goldfish that did your taxes, this recipe would be that goldfish.
This is the “Feeds 2” version, but double away. You are only limited by the size of your covered pan.
1 large or 2 small boneless skinless chicken breasts. If one of those giant ones, cut in half lengthwise
Whatever seasoning you like
A tablespoon of fat: butter, olive oil, or duck fat (<-!)
Some wine or lemon juice
A saute pan with a lid
Season the breasts however you like. Za’atar is excellent for this, so is Sunny Paris. Go Greek with lots of lemon, garlic, and oregano. JUST SEASON THEM.
Heat the pan with the fat to medium high. Put the chicken breast in and cook on med. high for 2 minutes.
At the 2 minute mark, flip the chicken, cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and set the timer for 10 minutes (11 if you’re dealing with big breasts). If you want to throw in some garlic or minced shallot, now’s the time.
When the timer goes off, turn off the heat off. DO NOT LIFT THE LID. Walk away for 10 more minutes. Maybe make a salad or something.
When the 10 minutes have passed, lift the lid and pull the chicken to a cutting board to rest. Add a little wine or lemon juice to the juices in the pan and reduce. You can serve them whole or slice up and pour the pan sauce over.
This recipe also works for pork tenderloin.