Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet because this can cause the chicken to steam instead of brown.
Cook for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on the first side without moving it unnecessarily. Turn each piece and cook the second side for another 4 minutes.
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken. It does not need to be completely cooked at this stage because it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set it aside.
4. Cook the garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, stirring continuously. The garlic should become fragrant without turning dark brown. Burned garlic can give the sauce a bitter flavor.
Keep the browned bits left by the chicken in the skillet. They add valuable flavor to the sauce.
