Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts, sliced into 1/2-inch cutlets
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke.
  3. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear for 3–5 minutes per side without moving them, until the exterior is golden-brown and sizzling. Remove chicken to a plate.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same pan. Once the butter bubbles and smells nutty, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the fresh basil and lemon juice, then return the chicken to the pan. Spoon the bubbling sauce over the meat for 1 minute to glaze.