Why You’ll Love This this Buttery Skillet Rosemary Chicken
This buttery skillet rosemary chicken is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen genius when really, you just melted some butter and sprinkled herbs around.
With only five ingredients and about 15 minutes of actual work, you’ll have tender, aromatic chicken that smells so good your neighbors might start lingering by your kitchen window.
The rosemary gets all fragrant and earthy in that melted butter, creating this simple yet sophisticated flavor that works whether you’re feeding kids on a Tuesday or trying to impress someone on date night.
Ingredients List
You only need five simple ingredients to make this buttery rosemary chicken that’ll have your kitchen smelling like a fancy restaurant.
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rosemary
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (may substitute table salt)
Here are a few things to contemplate about these ingredients from a health perspective:
- Chicken breast is lean protein that’s low in calories and high in nutrients like niacin and selenium
- Butter adds saturated fat, but in moderation it provides fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Fresh rosemary contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, plus it’s practically calorie-free
- Sea salt and table salt have similar sodium content, so use whichever you prefer or have on hand
- This recipe is naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it friendly for various dietary needs
Step by Step Directions
Making this buttery rosemary chicken is straightforward and takes just minutes from start to finish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a large pan.
- Rub both chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon sea salt.
- Place seasoned chicken in the heated pan and sprinkle half the rosemary on top.
- Flip chicken breasts and add the remaining rosemary.
- Pour in 1/2 cup water to the pan.
- Turn chicken every 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
For an authentic restaurant-style presentation, consider serving this chicken on a sizzling cast iron fajita grill to keep it warm and add dramatic flair to your table.
Substitutions and Variations
- Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes or black pepper gives it a little kick, perfect for when you want to wake up your taste buds.
- Lemon twist – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished chicken, or add lemon zest with the rosemary for that bright, citrusy pop.
- Cream it up – Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an indulgent pan sauce that’ll make you forget all about your diet plans.
Additional Things to Serve With This Dish
This buttery, herb-infused chicken plays well with so many sides, you’ll never run out of delicious dinner combinations.
- Mashed potatoes – Those creamy, fluffy spuds soak up every drop of that rosemary-butter goodness like little flavor sponges.
- Roasted vegetables – Toss some carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans in the oven while your chicken cooks, because who doesn’t love a one-timer meal?
- Rice pilaf – The nutty, fluffy grains make the perfect base for all those pan drippings you definitely don’t want to waste.
- Garlic bread – Sometimes you just need something to mop up that buttery sauce, and crusty bread does the job beautifully.
- Simple salad – A crisp mix of greens with a light vinaigrette cuts through all that richness, giving your palate a nice little break.
- Pasta – Toss some angel hair or penne with those pan juices for an instant weeknight winner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Cooking Tips & Tricks (Chef’s Notes)
A few simple tricks will turn your good chicken into absolutely divine chicken that’ll make you wonder why you ever ordered takeout.
- Don’t rush the browning – Let that chicken sit still for a solid 2-3 minutes per side before you get flip-happy, because patience creates those gorgeous golden edges that taste like heaven.
- Use room temperature chicken – Pull those breasts out of the fridge about 20 minutes before cooking, since cold chicken hitting hot butter is like watching a beautiful dance turn into an awkward stumble.
- Pound for even thickness – Grab a meat mallet or even a rolling pin and gently flatten those thicker parts, because nobody wants one end that’s perfectly juicy while the other end tastes like cardboard.
- Fresh rosemary beats dried every time – Strip those needle-like leaves right off the stem and give them a quick chop, though dried will work if that’s what’s hiding in your spice cabinet.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cook one breast at a time if needed, since cramped chicken steams instead of sears, and steamed chicken is just sad chicken.
- Let it rest after cooking – Give those beautiful breasts a 5-minute timeout on your cutting board, because slicing too soon sends all those precious juices running for the hills.
- Save those pan drippings – That golden, rosemary-infused butter left in your pan is liquid gold, so drizzle it over everything like the kitchen goddess you are.
Nutritional Facts
This protein-packed dish delivers impressive nutritional value with minimal ingredients, making it a smart choice for health-conscious home cooks.
- Calories: Approximately 280 calories per serving (based on 2 servings)
- Protein: 35-40 grams of high-quality complete protein per serving
- Fat: 14 grams total fat, primarily from heart-healthy butter
- Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram of carbs, making it keto and low-carb friendly
- Sodium: About 590mg per serving (can be reduced by using less salt)
- Cholesterol: Approximately 110mg per serving
- Vitamin B6: Excellent source supporting brain function and metabolism
- Niacin: High levels promoting healthy circulation and energy production
- Phosphorus: Good source for strong bones and teeth
- Selenium: Powerful antioxidant supporting immune system health
- Zero sugar: Naturally sugar-free recipe perfect for diabetic-friendly meal plans
- Gluten-free: Safe option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
Fun “Did You Know?”
Beyond the impressive nutritional profile, rosemary chicken carries fascinating secrets that’ll surprise even seasoned cooks.
Did you know rosemary’s actually from the mint family? Its name means “dew of the sea” in Latin, reflecting its Mediterranean coastal origins.
I’ve uncovered that rosemary contains compounds that can enhance memory and concentration – ancient Greeks wore rosemary crowns while studying!
The herb’s natural antioxidants also help preserve meat, which is why it’s been used in cooking for centuries.
Here’s something amazing: just smelling rosemary while cooking can boost your cognitive performance by up to 75%!
