Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken breast is a staple in many households due to its versatility, lean protein content, and ability to take on a variety of flavors. This ultimate chicken breast recipe ensures juicy, tender, and flavorful results every time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this method guarantees a delicious outcome.
- Perfectly juicy and tender
- Simple and quick preparation
- Pairs well with various sides and sauces
- Great for meal prep
- Easily customizable with different seasonings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Lemon juice
- Butter
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and fresh herbs to the pan. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, occasionally spooning the melted butter over the chicken.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Use Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary for added depth.
- Citrus Twist: Marinate the chicken in lemon or lime juice before cooking.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Add minced garlic to the butter for extra richness.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of pan-searing.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Servings: 2-4
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each chicken breast individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second increments until heated through.
FAQs
How do I keep chicken breast from drying out?
Cooking over medium heat and letting it rest after cooking helps retain juices.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but thaw them completely before cooking for even results.
What’s the best way to season chicken breast?
A simple blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika works well, but you can customize it with your favorite spices.
Can I bake this recipe instead of pan-searing?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I know when chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F at the thickest part.
What side dishes pair well with this chicken breast?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad complement it well.
Can I marinate the chicken?
Absolutely! Marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
What type of pan is best for cooking chicken breast?
A cast-iron skillet or stainless-steel pan retains heat well for a perfect sear.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, it stores well and makes a great protein addition to salads, wraps, or grain bowls.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
Cut into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be white throughout with clear juices.
Conclusion
This ultimate chicken breast recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it with sides or using it in meal prep, this method ensures juicy, delicious chicken every time. Try it today and enjoy a perfectly cooked chicken breast!
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Ultimate Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings 1x
Description
This ultimate chicken breast recipe delivers juicy, tender, and flavorful results every time. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or pairing with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 2–4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Heat the Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them.
- Flip and Cook: Flip the chicken, reduce the heat to medium, and add butter and fresh herbs. Cook for another 5-6 minutes, occasionally spooning the melted butter over the chicken.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the pan and let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- Spicy Variation: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Use Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary.
- Citrus Twist: Marinate in lemon or lime juice before cooking.
- Garlic Butter Glaze: Add minced garlic to the butter.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Juicy chicken breast, pan-seared chicken, easy chicken recipe, meal prep chicken, quick dinner recipe
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