Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe

Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Meal for Any Day

ByJulia Child

If you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken breast recipe that’s both flavorful and satisfying, you’ve come to the right place! Chicken breasts are a staple in many kitchens because they’re versatile, healthy, and can be prepared in countless ways. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make a simple yet delicious pan-seared chicken breast, perfect for any meal. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or preparing for meal prep, this recipe will have you covered.

Ingredients:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra flavor)
  • Fresh lemon juice (optional, for added zing)
  • Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish—like parsley, thyme, or rosemary)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps get a nice, crispy sear on the chicken. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Feel free to get creative here and add your favorite spices—this recipe is very flexible, so you can tweak the seasoning to your liking.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam the chicken instead of searing it. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes on the first side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the chicken naturally releases from the pan and has a golden-brown crust.

Step 3: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip the chicken breasts over and reduce the heat to medium. Cook the other side for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts. If you’re unsure whether they’re done, use a meat thermometer—chicken is fully cooked at an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Add Butter and Lemon (Optional)

Once the chicken is cooked through, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the pan for extra flavor. Let the butter melt and spoon it over the chicken. If you’d like a burst of citrus flavor, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top of the chicken just before serving. This adds a zesty kick and brightens up the dish.

Step 5: Let It Rest

After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.

Recipe Notes:

  • Chicken Size: The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. If your breasts are very thick, you might want to slice them in half horizontally to ensure even cooking.
  • Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with other spices like thyme, rosemary, or even chili powder for a spicy kick. The possibilities are endless!
  • Use of Butter: Adding butter is optional, but it gives the chicken a rich flavor and keeps it extra moist. You can skip it if you’re looking for a lighter dish.

Time and Serving:

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2 servings (adjust according to your needs)

Storage:

Store any leftover chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave it or reheat it in a pan with a bit of broth or water to keep it moist.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Protein: 53g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Sugar: 0g

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect:

  1. For Extra Crispy Chicken: If you love crispy skin, you can cook the chicken breasts in the oven after searing them. After flipping the chicken, place the skillet in a 375°F (190°C) oven for an additional 10-15 minutes.
  2. Seasoning: Always taste your seasonings as you go. Feel free to add more spices to match your taste preferences.
  3. Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest is crucial for keeping it juicy. Don’t skip this step!

How to Serve:

This pan-seared chicken breast is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of leafy greens for a light and healthy salad. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal. For a Mediterranean twist, top it with some tzatziki sauce and a side of quinoa or couscous.

Kitchen Tools Needed:

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)
  • Tongs or spatula for flipping the chicken
  • Cutting board and knife for slicing
  • Small bowl for seasoning

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink inside.

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute. They’ll be a little juicier and cook a bit faster, but the overall process is the same.

Yes! After seasoning the chicken, you can sear both sides in a hot skillet and then transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) to bake for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked.

Yes! Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour can add extra flavor. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs will work beautifully.

Similar Posts