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
Scale
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.
