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### **Step-by-Step Instructions**
#### **1. Marinate the Chicken**
– Start by preparing the marinade. In a small bowl, combine the garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, paprika, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are incorporated into a smooth mixture.
– Coat the chicken pieces in the marinade, making sure each piece is well-covered. You can use your hands or a brush for this.
– Cover the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or even overnight for deeper flavor).
#### **2. Prepare the Pan**
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating up, get a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan ready for the chicken. The cast iron helps create a crispy crust, but you can use any oven-safe pan you have on hand.
– Place the pan on medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let it melt and sizzle.
#### **3. Sear the Chicken**
– Once the butter is hot, add the marinated chicken pieces skin-side down into the pan. Sear for about 5-7 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Don’t move the chicken around too much—let the skin get that beautiful crispiness.
#### **4. Flip and Finish Cooking in the Oven**
– After the skin is crispy and browned, flip the chicken pieces over so the skin side is facing up.
– Add the remaining tablespoon of butter on top of each chicken piece for extra flavor and richness.
– Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken) or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You’ll know the chicken is cooked through when the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
#### **5. Rest and Serve**
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender.
– Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
#### **6. Serve with Your Favorite Sides**
– This chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or rice. The options are endless, but whatever you choose, this chicken will be the star of the meal.
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
The restaurant technique I learned emphasizes the importance of both searing and finishing the chicken in the oven. Searing the chicken ensures a golden, crispy skin, while the oven finishes cooking the chicken to perfection without drying it out. The marinade plays a big role in infusing deep, savory flavors into the meat, which is what makes this chicken so flavorful and juicy.
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### **Tips for the Perfect Chicken**
– **Don’t skip the resting time**: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
– **Use bone-in, skin-on chicken**: This cut is the key to achieving both crispy skin and juicy meat. Boneless skinless chicken breasts tend to dry out quickly and don’t have the same flavor.
– **Customize the seasoning**: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne for a little heat or some lemon zest for an extra citrus kick.
– **Get the right pan**: If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed oven-safe pan will work just fine for this recipe. The important part is to have a pan that can go from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
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### **Conclusion**
This **restaurant-style chicken** recipe is bound to become a go-to in your meal rotation. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and cooked to perfection every time. The crispy skin, tender meat, and savory marinade will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this chicken will certainly be the star of the show.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll see why it’s the tastiest chicken you’ll ever eat!
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