Step 1

Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes, if using. Set aside.

Step 2

Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season with the salt and pepper.

Step 3

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot.

Step 4

Add the chicken to the skillet and sear on the first side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.

Step 5

Flip the chicken over and brush on the garlic marinade. Drizzle the extra around the chicken in the pan.

Step 6

Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking the chicken, until no longer pink in the middle and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of your chicken.

Step 7

Serve hot, drizzling any excess pan juices over the chicken, if desired.