Butter Pan Fried Chicken
Juicy, flavorful pan-fried chicken breasts with smoky and herbaceous notes, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal suited for chicken lovers and casual dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder on one side and seasoning salt on the other.
- Sprinkle one side of each chicken breast with liquid hickory smoke and both sides with parsley flakes.
- Let the seasoned chicken set for 30 minutes before cooking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the seasoning mix. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter works perfectly as a substitute. Also, let the chicken marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption. This dish is versatile; feel free to experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the butter pan fried chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with Cornbread-Pecan Dressing for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a refreshing salad to complete the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a little bit of margarine or oil to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Butter Pan Fried Chicken contains roughly 207 calories, with 24g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1830mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for skinless, boneless chicken breasts, you can use bone-in pieces. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through, allowing for about 10-15 minutes longer depending on size.
What can I substitute for liquid hickory smoke?
If you don't have liquid hickory smoke, try using smoked paprika for a similar smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken on a barbecue for an authentic smokiness. Just adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can replace margarine with olive oil or avocado oil, which are heart-healthy options. Additionally, consider baking the chicken instead of frying it to reduce the fat content while still maintaining flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).