If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful chicken dinner that comes together quickly, this Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe is exactly what you need. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of a golden, crispy crust with tender, moist meat on the inside. The simple seasoning highlights the natural goodness of the chicken, while a touch of butter adds richness that makes this dish irresistibly good. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this recipe is a straightforward but satisfying approach to elevating a basic chicken breast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but they each play a crucial role in making your Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe shine. Every item contributes to the vibrant flavors, the enticing texture, or the appealing color of the dish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein star of the recipe, perfect for quick cooking and easy seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor while helping you get that perfect sear.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Brings richness and a glossy finish to the cooked chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with a deep, savory aroma without overpowering the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and complements the garlic perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Delivers a mild smoky note and gorgeous color to the crust.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley or lemon wedges for garnish (optional): Provide a fresh, vibrant contrast and brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this is key to achieving that coveted golden crust. If they’re thick, gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and keeps every bite juicy. Then, season each side well with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the olive oil. Allow the oil to get nice and hot but not smoking—this heat level helps form a beautiful sear that locks in moisture.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Resist the urge to move them around; letting the chicken sit allows a golden-brown crust to develop naturally. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until the bottom side is deeply golden.
Step 4: Flip and Add Butter
Flip the breasts over, then add the unsalted butter to the pan. As it melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the luscious melted butter repeatedly over the chicken. This technique keeps your chicken moist and infuses it with buttery flavor. Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting redistributes the juices so slicing will reveal succulent, tender pieces ready to impress.
How to Serve Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Bringing fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon to the plate offers a bright finishing touch that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color. The fragrant parsley lifts the dish visually and taste-wise, while lemon juice adds a refreshing zing.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with almost anything! Serve alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a well-rounded meal. For an extra cozy feel, toss it over warm pasta tossed with garlic and olive oil or nestled on a bed of fluffy rice pilaf.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken thinly to top sandwiches or salads, or dice and use it as a protein boost in wraps and grain bowls. Its gorgeous sear makes it a winner for plating, so even simply sliced on a rustic wooden board with some fresh herbs can turn into a charming appetizer or light lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep the chicken breasts whole or sliced to your preference for easy reheating or quick meal assembly.
Freezing
If you want to keep the chicken longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen chicken breasts can last up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To keep your chicken moist upon reheating, warm it gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Spoon a little butter or drizzle olive oil over the pieces before warming to refresh the richness and avoid drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe?
You can, but bone-in breasts usually require a longer cooking time to reach the safe internal temperature. This recipe is perfectly timed for boneless, skinless breasts to ensure a quick and even cook.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet to pound the chicken?
No problem! You can use the bottom of a heavy pan or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay tender.
Can I substitute the garlic and onion powders with fresh garlic and onion?
Absolutely! Adding fresh minced garlic in the pan while cooking can enhance flavor, and finely chopped onions can be cooked alongside the chicken. Just be mindful of adjusting cooking time so they don’t burn.
How do I know when the chicken is done without a meat thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part and look for clear juices and no pink in the center. The meat should be firm but still juicy. However, a thermometer reading of 165°F (74°C) is the safest way to ensure doneness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe is naturally gluten-free since it uses simple seasonings and no breading. Just double-check your seasonings and butter if you have allergies or intolerances.
Final Thoughts
This Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe is definitely one to keep in your back pocket for busy nights or when you want a fuss-free but delicious meal. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward technique means anyone can whip up restaurant-quality chicken at home. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll be reaching for it again and again!
Print
Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pan-Seared Chicken Breast recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful main course with a simple blend of spices and a buttery finish. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner, the chicken is cooked on the stovetop to a tender perfection with a golden crust, making it versatile to pair with salads, pasta, or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley or lemon wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If they are thick, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering, indicating it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook without moving them for 5 to 6 minutes until the underside develops a golden brown crust.
- Flip and Add Butter: Turn the chicken breasts over, add the unsalted butter to the skillet, and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes. Frequently spoon the melted butter over the chicken to keep it moist and rich.
- Check Doneness: Continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, maintaining moisture and tenderness.
- Serve: Slice the chicken if desired and garnish with fresh parsley or lemon wedges to add brightness and freshness to the dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add smashed garlic cloves or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the pan during cooking to infuse the chicken.
- Serve this chicken breast over salad, pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Slice and use leftovers for sandwiches, wraps, or meal prepping lunches.
