The secret to lightning-fast chicken is butterflying the breasts before they hit the broiler. Bright citrus and briny black olives bring massive flavor to this simple main course, while a quick oil and lemon juice blend keeps the meat incredibly tender. You'll love how the lemon-pepper seasoning adds a savory kick without overpowering the dish. It's a fantastic centerpiece that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Total
20 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1¼ lb)
2 teaspoons olive or canola oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
¼ cup sliced ripe olives
4 thin slices lemon, cut in half
Instructions
1Preheat the broiler and coat the rack of a broiler pan with cooking spray. Starting at the thickest edge of each chicken breast, cut horizontally almost to the opposite side. Open up each breast like a book and press flat so they're an even thickness.
2Whisk the oil and lemon juice together in a small bowl, then drizzle the mixture over both sides of the chicken. Sprinkle evenly with the lemon-pepper seasoning. Place the chicken on the prepared broiler pan.
3Broil with the tops 4 inches from the heat for about 10 minutes, turning once. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each breast with 1 tablespoon of sliced olives and 2 lemon slice halves. The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
Prep: Butterflying the chicken ensures it cooks quickly and evenly under the broiler without drying out.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent the chicken from drying out.