Let’s be real, the question “what’s for dinner tonight?” can be a little stressful. We all have those go to ingredients we rely on, and for many of us, that’s the humble chicken breast. It’s lean, it’s packed with protein, and it’s a blank canvas. But sometimes, that canvas ends up a little… dry. We’ve all been there.
Well, I am so excited to share one of my favorite Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes with you today. This method for pan searing chicken was something I learned from my mom, and it completely changes the game. It’s simple, incredibly fast, and results in the juiciest chicken you can imagine. It has become one of our top Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. First off, it is unbelievably quick. We are talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a true lifesaver on busy weeknights when you need to get a good meal on the table fast.
The texture is amazing. The secret is searing the chicken over high heat first. This creates a beautiful golden brown crust that locks in all the juices. The inside stays tender and moist. No more tough, chewy chicken for dinner!
Flavor is front and center here. We are using a homemade chicken seasoning that is just packed with delicious spices. It creates a savory, slightly smoky flavor that complements the chicken so well. It is a fantastic base for so many meals.
And honestly, its versatility is a huge plus. You can serve this chicken as the main event with some veggies, slice it up for salads, or shred it for tacos. This is truly an Easy Chicken Breast Dinner that keeps on giving.
Ingredients
The ingredient list is simple, using pantry staples to create a really flavorful seasoning blend. Here is what you will need to gather.
For The Chicken Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1.5 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 3 to 4 breasts)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter
- Grab a small bowl and add all of the seasoning ingredients: garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, thyme, mustard, basil, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, paprika, and brown sugar. Mix until combined and set aside.
- Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board, cover with a piece of parchment paper, and gently pound until about 1 to 1.5 inches thick all over, aiming for uniform thickness.
- Sprinkle the prepared chicken seasoning generously over both sides of each chicken breast, patting it in to ensure it sticks. Use about 1.5 tablespoons for 1.5 pounds of chicken.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with about half a tablespoon of butter per piece of chicken. Once melted and sizzling, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan.
- Sear for about 2 to 3 minutes without moving to develop a golden brown crust. Flip the chicken, add another pat of butter if desired, cover the pan, and turn the heat to medium. Cook for about 6 more minutes. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and tender.
For The Chicken
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to cook? Let’s walk through one of the easiest Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes you will ever make. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious result.
Step 1: Mix The Seasoning
First things first, let’s get that amazing seasoning ready. Grab a small bowl and add all of the seasoning ingredients to it. That’s the garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, thyme, mustard, basil, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, paprika, and brown sugar. Give it a good mix until everything is combined. Set it aside for now.
Step 2: Prepare The Chicken Breast
Now for the chicken. This step is really important for even cooking. Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with a piece of parchment paper. Using a meat tenderizer or even a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it is about 1 to 1.5 inches thick all over. Try to get the thickness as uniform as possible.
This ensures that the entire piece of chicken cooks at the same rate. You will not have one end that is dry while the other end is still trying to cook through. It makes a huge difference!
Step 3: Season The Chicken Generously
It is time to add all that flavor. Take your prepared chicken seasoning and sprinkle it generously over both sides of each chicken breast. Do not be shy here! Pat the seasoning in a little bit to make sure it sticks. You should use about 1.5 tablespoons of seasoning for 1.5 pounds of chicken.
Step 4: Sear And Cook The Chicken
Grab a large nonstick skillet and add about half a tablespoon of butter per piece of chicken you are cooking. Heat the pan over medium high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling a little, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan.
Let it sear for about 2 to 3 minutes without moving it. You want to develop that beautiful golden brown crust. Then, flip the chicken over. You can add another pat of butter here if you like. Cover the pan, turn the heat down to medium, and let it cook for about 6 more minutes.
The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check for doneness without cutting into the chicken and losing juices.
Step 5: Let The Chicken Rest
This final step is non negotiable for juicy chicken! Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a cutting board or plate. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you slice into it. As it rests, the internal temperature will rise a few more degrees and the juices will redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist and tender.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them is simple. Just let the cooked chicken cool down completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 5 days, making it great for meal prep.
To reheat, you can place the chicken on a plate and microwave it for 60 to 90 seconds. To keep it from drying out, you can add a splash of water or broth to the plate before microwaving.
Tips
Want to make your Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes even better? Here are a few extra tips. While we love the flavor and browning that butter provides, you can absolutely use oil. Avocado oil is a great choice because of its high smoke point, but olive oil works too.
A nonstick pan is highly recommended for this recipe because chicken breast is so lean. It helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup much easier. A well seasoned cast iron skillet is another good option if you have one.
Feel free to play around with the seasonings! This is one of those Chicken Breast Dinner Ideas where you can get creative. Simple salt and pepper is a classic, or you could try Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, or even everything bagel seasoning for a different twist.
You can use the leftover chicken in so many ways. Shred it for soup or tacos. Dice it for salads like a classic chicken salad or a fun street corn salad. Or slice it and add it to a grain bowl for a quick and healthy lunch. The possibilities are endless.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A straightforward, flavorful, and incredibly juicy chicken dinner. This is one of those foundational Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes that every home cook should have in their back pocket. It is reliable, delicious, and a true crowd pleaser.
I hope this Easy Chicken Breast Dinner becomes a new favorite in your home. It proves that simple ingredients and a good technique are all you need to make something truly satisfying. Happy cooking!
FAQ
How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Fully Cooked?
The most reliable way to know your chicken is cooked is by using an instant read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F at the thickest part. If you pull it off the heat around 160°F, it will continue to cook as it rests.
Why Is My Chicken Dry?
Dry chicken is usually caused by overcooking. Using a meat thermometer helps prevent this. Another cause can be uneven thickness. If part of the breast is much thicker, the thinner parts will overcook while you wait for the thick part to be done. Pounding it to an even thickness is key.
Can I Use Different Seasonings?
Absolutely! This recipe is a great template. You can use any of your favorite spice blends. Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika are all wonderful alternatives. This is one of the most flexible Skinless Chicken Breast Recipes.
Should I Really Pound The Chicken Breast?
Yes, we highly recommend it! It is the best way to guarantee your chicken cooks evenly and quickly. This simple step makes a world of difference in the final texture and juiciness of your chicken.
Can I Freeze Cooked Chicken?
Yes, you can. Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a freezer safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Easy Pan-Seared Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
A quick, easy, and flavorful method for pan searing boneless, skinless chicken breast that locks in juices for tender, moist results every time. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and incredibly versatile.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. To reheat, microwave for 60-90 seconds, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.
You can use oil like avocado or olive oil instead of butter for searing, especially if looking for a higher smoke point. A nonstick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet works well.
Feel free to customize the seasoning with your favorite spice blends, such as Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika.
Leftover chicken is fantastic shredded for soup or tacos, diced for salads (like chicken salad or street corn salad), or sliced for grain bowls for a quick and healthy lunch.
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