Tender, juicy, and loaded with delicious flavors, this pan seared chicken breast it’s a super easy-to-make recipe that’s ready in just 20 minutes, and it can be paired with many side dishes to create a complete meal.
Chicken breast can be cooked in many ways, but when you don’t have much time, pan searing chicken is the best method to cook juicy and tender chicken breast in just a few minutes.
Learn how to sear chicken breast to help you obtain delicious, tender, and juicy meat loaded with irresistible flavors.
Chicken breast is one of the most common proteins used in our kitchen, whether we are talking about preparing a salad, a soup, or a simple and delicious stuffed chicken breast recipe.
So if you are a fan of chicken breast recipes, there is one more to add to your list. This pan-seared chicken breast is one of the easiest recipes that you can make, perfect for dinner or lunch with your family.
Why Are You Going To Love This Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
- It’s perfect for meal prep! You can pan-sear chicken breast in advance and enjoy it with your favorite side dish during the week.
- Quick and Easy! Ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish, you’ll cook the best chicken breast using only one pan.
- Super Versatile! It pairs perfectly with many side dishes, and you can use your favorite seasonings.
- Perfectly juicy pan-fried chicken breast every time!
Ingredients For Pan Seared Chicken Breast
I love those easy recipes that require only a few ingredients that are super easy to find.
This recipe is one of them, and here is a list of everything you will need:
- Chicken Breast – This recipe will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Salt & Pepper – an essential mix to enhance the flavors in almost any recipe.
- Garlic & Onion Powder – one of my favorite seasoning mixes for this chicken recipe.
- Italian Seasoning – you can make homemade Italian Seasoning or buy it from the store. Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme are also perfect for seasoning chicken breast.
- Paprika – use smoked paprika for a more intense smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil – you can replace it with any other vegetable oil that has a high smoke point, such as grapeseed or avocado oil. Butter
How To Make The Best Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Wondering how to make the best pan seared chicken breast? Here are the steps for this easy pan seared chicken recipe:
Season the Chicken Breast
Use high-quality fresh chicken breast. If using frozen chicken breast, make sure to thaw completely before using and pat dry using paper towels.
Season the chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion, and garlic powder. You can use your desired herbs, spices or use my chicken seasoning blend.
Prepare the Pan
Turn on the stove on medium to high heat, and once the cast iron skillet is hot, add the olive oil and spread it over the entire surface of the pan to prevent the chicken from sticking.
Pan Sear the Chicken Breast
Place the chicken breast in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, without moving it, on medium heat until it has a golden crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken breast from the pan, rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy piece of chicken.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy.
Tips and Variations For Makin The Best Pan Seared Chicken Breast
- Ensure you don’t move the chicken while it cooks if you want to obtain that golden brown crust.
- Add some red pepper chili flakes to make a spicy pan-seared chicken breast.
- Leave some space between each chicken breast to ensure they cook evenly.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to insert the thickest part and check if it reaches 165°F. Then you will know that your chicken breast is done.
- Allow the chicken breast to rest at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before cooking to ensure uniform cooking.
- Use chicken breast of the same size for cooking evenly. If there are any thick ones, slice them in half.
Storing Ideas
- Fridge: You can store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: these pan-seared chicken breasts can also be frozen for up to 2 months in separate bags.
Serving Ideas
Another reason to try this recipe is that it can be paired with many delicious sides to create a complete meal.
Here are some great ideas:
- Make a creamed spinach with mushrooms and enjoy it with this juicy pan-seared chicken breast.
- Cauliflower Rice
- Turnip Au Gratin
- Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
- Pico de Gallo
- Roasted Vegetables
- Easy Roasted Asparagus
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long To Cook Pan-Seared Chicken Breast?
The chicken breast cooks very quickly, so don’t leave it in the pan for more than 10-15 minutes (depending on its thickness). Overcooked chicken breast dries out, and it won’t be tender or juicy at all.
Baked VS. Pan-Seared Chicken Breast
If you are wondering which of these two methods is better for cooking chicken breast, you need to know that both are the same good.
However, if you are in a hurry, I recommend using the pan-seared method since it’s faster, and the chicken does not need time to marinate.
Is Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Healthy?
Yes, since it’s high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and made from naturally low-carb ingredients, this pan-seared chicken breast recipe is a healthy dinner option.
Can I Make This Recipe With Bone-In Chicken Breast?
Sure, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time if you want to use bone-in chicken breasts.
What Are The Best Seasoning For Chicken Breast?
Seasonings can completely change the taste of your chicken breast, so feel free to add your favorite ones. Here is a list that I may help you:
- Paprika
- Garlic and Onion Powder
- Italian Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Basil
More Easy Chicken Breast Recipes
- Juicy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
- Bacon Wrapped Broccoli Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
- The Best Asparagus Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Soup
Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Description
Ingredients
- 4 8-oz chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise or pound chicken breast to a 1-inch thickness.
- Season on both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion, and garlic powder.
- Turn on the stove on medium-high heat, and heat a large skillet. Once hot, add the olive oil and spread it over the entire surface of the pan.
- Place the chicken breast in the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, without moving until it has a golden crust. Use an instant meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done cooking – remove the heat once it reaches 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices and serve topped with freshly chopped parsley.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.
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