There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked chicken breast. Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, it can be the star of any meal, from a simple weeknight dinner to a fancy weekend dinner. As a chef, I’ve spent years experimenting with different techniques to make chicken breasts moist and flavorful without overcomplicating the process. Today, I’m sharing my favorite method: pan-seared chicken breast. It’s simple, fast, and guarantees delicious results every time.
Why Pan-Seared Chicken Breast?
Chicken breast is lean, which makes it a healthy protein option, but it also has a reputation for being dry or bland if not cooked correctly. Pan-searing gives the chicken a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. By seasoning it well and cooking at the right temperature, you’ll get maximum flavor in just 15–20 minutes.
Ingredients / Shopping List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dish:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Optional sides:
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Steamed vegetables
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Mashed potatoes
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Quinoa or rice
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This is important because moisture on the surface will prevent browning. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Make sure the seasoning sticks well by gently pressing it into the meat.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Place a heavy skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm until it shimmers. A hot pan is key for creating that golden-brown crust.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Avoid crowding the pan; if necessary, cook in batches. Let them cook without moving for 5–6 minutes. This allows the crust to form. Flip the chicken and add the butter and minced garlic to the pan.
Step 4: Baste for Flavor
Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the chicken with the melted butter and garlic. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve
Slice the chicken against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. A squeeze of lemon over the top really brightens the flavors.
Bonus Tips from a Chef
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Even Thickness: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them gently to make them uniform. This ensures they cook evenly.
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Don’t Skip Resting: Resting is crucial. Cutting too early will let all the juices escape, leaving dry chicken.
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Use a Thermometer: While cooking times are helpful, an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
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Flavor Variations: Try adding smoked paprika, rosemary, or even a splash of white wine for different flavor profiles.
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Leftovers: This chicken keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days and is great for salads, sandwiches, or wraps.
Why This Method Works
Pan-searing works wonders because it uses high heat to lock in moisture and create a flavorful crust. Butter basting adds richness and a hint of garlic flavor, which penetrates the chicken as it cooks. The combination of simple seasonings keeps the natural chicken flavor front and center while still tasting elevated.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, carrots, or broccoli.
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Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice.
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Slice thinly for sandwiches or wraps.
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Top with a light sauce like a lemon-butter drizzle or homemade pan sauce from the drippings.
Final Thoughts
Cooking chicken breast perfectly doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this pan-searing method, you’ll get juicy, flavorful chicken every time. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, these steps are easy to follow and deliver reliable results.
Give it a try tonight—you’ll be surprised at how simple it is to create a restaurant-quality chicken breast right at home.