Description
This pan-seared chicken breast recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. With a golden-brown crust and a juicy inside, it’s perfect for meal prep, salads, pasta, or serving with your favorite sides. A simple seasoning blend makes it a go-to weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Pound them slightly with a meat mallet for even cooking.
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Season:
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Rub the seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.
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Cook:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on one side, without moving, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes on the other side.
- Add butter to the pan for extra flavor and baste the chicken by spooning the melted butter over it.
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Rest & Serve:
- Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and serve with your favorite sides!
Notes
- For extra juicy chicken, cover the pan with a lid for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Slice and use for salads, wraps, pasta, or sandwiches!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.