Description
This Pan-Seared Chicken Breast recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a beautifully golden crust. Seasoned with a blend of classic spices and seared in olive oil, it’s a quick and simple meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme if using to build a flavorful crust.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow it to heat thoroughly until shimmering but not smoking, which will ensure a perfect sear.
- Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook an additional 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Serve: Slice the chicken breasts and serve with your favorite sides such as steamed vegetables, salads, or grains for a balanced meal.
Notes
- Patting the chicken dry before seasoning helps achieve a better sear.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for the best results.
- Letting the chicken rest post-cooking ensures juicy meat.
- Optional thyme adds a subtle herby flavor but can be omitted.
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
