Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels—this is crucial for getting a good sear. If your chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), place them between plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter, swirling to coat the pan. Once the butter is melted and the foam subsides, add the chicken breasts carefully. Don’t move them! Let them sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip the chicken using tongs and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the second side.

Step 3: Check for Doneness
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, reduce heat to medium and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Don’t worry if the pan looks dark—those brown bits are pure flavor!

Step 4: Make the Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it will turn bitter.

Step 5: Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, scraping up all those beautiful brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This is called deglazing, and it adds incredible depth to your sauce. Let the liquid simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice and half the chopped parsley. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If using heavy cream, stir it in now for extra richness. The sauce should be glossy and fragrant, with visible bits of garlic and herbs throughout.

Step 7: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the garlic herb butter sauce generously over the top. Let the chicken warm in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, basting it with the butter. Transfer to a serving platter or individual plates, pouring the remaining sauce over the chicken. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.