Description
A simple and flavorful pan-seared chicken breast recipe that results in juicy, golden-brown chicken ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner, this recipe features basic seasonings and olive oil to enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning
- 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
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then evenly season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme if using. This ensures maximum flavor penetration during cooking.
- Heat the oil: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat up until shimmering but not smoking, which is essential for a good sear.
- Sear the chicken: Carefully add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Flip and cook the other side: Turn the chicken breasts over and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a plate for 3-5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in succulent meat.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice the chicken as desired and serve with your favorite sides for a wholesome meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; you can pound them to achieve this if needed.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to prevent steaming instead of searing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Letting the chicken rest is important to keep it juicy.
- You can customize the seasoning blend according to your taste preferences.
