Let’s be honest, finding exciting weeknight meals can be a real challenge. You want something fast, something your family will actually eat, and something that doesn’t leave you with a mountain of dishes. If this sounds familiar, you have come to the right place. These are some of the best Chicken Breast Recipes you will find.
This particular Pan Fried Chicken Breast is a total superstar. It is incredibly juicy, loaded with flavor, and so easy to prepare. It transforms a simple ingredient into one of those truly Delicious Family Dinners everyone will ask for. This is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that will become a staple in your home.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
So what makes this chicken so special? It’s all about the flavor and the texture. We are talking about a golden brown crust on the outside giving way to unbelievably tender and moist chicken on the inside. No more dry chicken, I promise.
The sauce is where the magic really happens. A beautiful combination of butter, garlic, and fresh herbs creates a rich coating for the chicken. It is savory, aromatic, and just plain wonderful. It tastes like a fancy restaurant meal but is so simple to make at home.
Best of all, this is one of those fantastic Quick Dinner Ideas. From start to finish, you are looking at about 30 minutes. That makes it a lifesaver on busy evenings when you need a good meal on the table without a lot of fuss.
This is one of my favorite Chicken Breast Recipes because it is so versatile. You can serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. It is a complete meal that feels both comforting and a little bit elegant.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this tasty dish. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.
- 4 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps for a fantastic meal. It is easier than you think to make amazing Chicken Breast Recipes at home.
Step 1: Prep The Chicken
First, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This is a key step. It helps the chicken cook evenly so every bite is just right. Then season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken breasts. Make sure they are nicely coated for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook The Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook for about 6 minutes without moving them. This creates a beautiful golden crust.
Flip the chicken over and add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Tilt the skillet to let the melting butter swirl around. Continue cooking for about 5 more minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be 165°F.
Step 3: Make The Sauce
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Keep it covered with foil to stay warm. Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium. This is a great trick for many Simple Chicken Recipes.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn. Nobody likes burnt garlic flavor.
Now add the fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Let them cook for just 10 seconds to release their amazing aromas. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible right about now.
Step 4: Finish The Dish
Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up all the tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is called deglazing, and it adds so much depth to the sauce.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Stir until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. This is the final touch that makes the sauce rich and velvety.
Return the chicken to the pan. Let it cook for another minute to heat through and soak up all that wonderful sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken breasts one last time before serving. Enjoy your delicious Pan Fried Chicken Breast!
How To Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, which is a big if, storing them is easy. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. This is important for food safety. Do not leave it out for more than two hours.
Place the chicken and any extra sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prep or for quick lunches during the week.
To reheat, you can use the microwave, but I prefer the stovetop. Place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps keep it moist and prevents it from drying out. Heat until it is warmed all the way through.
Tips
Want to make your chicken even better? Here are a few tips I have learned along the way. First, do not overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed. This ensures each piece gets a nice, even sear.
Using a meat thermometer is a really good idea. It takes all the guesswork out of cooking chicken. You will know for sure when it is cooked to a safe 165°F without overcooking it. Juicy chicken every time.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after you take it out of the pan. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite. It is a small step that makes a big difference in many Chicken Breast Recipes.
Feel free to get creative with the herbs. If you do not have fresh thyme or rosemary, other herbs like oregano or sage would also be lovely. This is one of those Simple Chicken Recipes that is easy to customize.
Conclusion
There you have it. A straightforward and tasty way to prepare chicken breast that your whole family will enjoy. This recipe proves that you do not need a lot of time or complicated ingredients to create Delicious Family Dinners.
It is one of my favorite Quick Dinner Ideas because it is reliable and always satisfying. I hope this becomes one of your go to Chicken Breast Recipes as well. Give it a try soon and see for yourself how good a simple meal can be.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work well here. Just keep in mind that they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Should I Serve With This Chicken?
This dish is very versatile. It pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or pasta to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a simple green salad.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh?
Yes, you can. A good rule of thumb is to use one teaspoon of dried herbs for every one tablespoon of fresh herbs. Dried herbs are more potent, so you will need less. Add them with the other spices to let their flavor bloom.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten free. All the ingredients used are naturally gluten free. Always double check your chicken broth brand to ensure it does not contain any hidden gluten if you have a sensitivity.
Pan Fried Chicken Breast
This Pan Fried Chicken Breast is incredibly juicy, loaded with flavor, and easy to prepare. It transforms a simple ingredient into a flavorful family dinner everyone will enjoy. This recipe will become a staple in your home.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness. Season generously with salt and pepper, then rub with Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 6 minutes without moving.
- Flip chicken, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and continue cooking for about 5 more minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Remove chicken from skillet, cover with foil, and set aside. Reduce skillet heat to medium.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary; cook for 10 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken to the pan, cook for 1 minute to heat through, and spoon sauce over the breasts before serving.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches for an even sear.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F without overcooking.
Let chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat.
Customize with other herbs like oregano or sage if fresh thyme or rosemary are unavailable.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
