Pan-Seared Chicken Breast is a simple, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and packed with juicy, warm flavors. It’s made using thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts seasoned with a homemade spice mix, then cooked in a hot skillet until golden and tender. You can enjoy it with rice, pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
What You’ll Find On This Page
There are many ways to cook chicken breast—baking, air frying, or grilling—but pan searing is one of my favorites. All you need is a good cast iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, a few pantry staples, and around 30 minutes to get it done.
Pan searing not only gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust but also keeps it juicy and full of flavor. You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your family’s taste too.
If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner that works with many sides, this Pan-Seared Chicken Breast is a great choice for busy weekdays.
Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
The ingredients for this pan-seared chicken breast are simple and likely already in your kitchen. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need below!
- Boneless Chicken Breast: Thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts cook faster and more evenly. If you can't find them pre-sliced, just slice whole breasts yourself at home.
- Seasonings: A mix of pantry spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt adds warmth and bold flavor. I also used dried oregano for a mild herby touch, but you can try other dried herbs to suit your taste.
- Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point—like vegetable or canola oil—for searing. It helps give the chicken a golden, crispy edge without burning. I added a little butter at the end for extra flavor, but that part is totally optional.
- Cilantro Leaves and Lime: Fresh cilantro adds color and a light, fresh flavor. Lime slices give a nice tangy finish when serving the chicken.
How to Make Pan-Seared Chicken Breast at Home?
Let’s make juicy, flavorful pan-seared chicken breast! I’ll walk you through how to season the chicken and sear it on the stovetop for bold taste and golden texture. You’ll also find step-by-step photos and a helpful video to guide you along the way. Let’s get started!
Explore a variety of Chicken Breast Recipes:
- Baked Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Chicken Cutlets
- Chicken Fried Chicken Breast
- Chicken Parmesan
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken Breast
- Chicken Piccata
- Pesto Chicken
- Chicken Marsala
- Marry Me Chicken
- Spinach Stuffed Chicken
- Lemon Pepper Chicken
- Garlic Butter Chicken
Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Ingredients
For Seasoning
- 5 slices Chicken Breast, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper Powder
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tbsp Olive oil, to coat the chicken
For Pan Searing
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- Coriander Leaves, for garnish
- Lime Slices, for garnish
Instructions
Preparing the Seasoning Mix
- Add all the spice powders listed under seasoning, along with salt, to a bowl. Mix well until everything is combined. Set it aside for seasoning the chicken.
Seasoning the Chicken Breast
- Place the thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts on a plate or tray. Pour the oil (mentioned for coating) over the chicken and rub it gently to coat all sides. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Now sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken. Press and rub it in until the chicken is well coated. If you have time, let it rest for 15 minutes so the flavors can soak in.
Pan Searing the Chicken Breast
- Heat oil in a wide heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan without overcrowding. Let them sear for 3 to 5 minutes without moving—this helps create a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. You can check with a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Once melted, spoon or brush the butter over the chicken to coat it. This step is optional, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.
- Sprinkle some freshly chopped cilantro on top. Your pan-seared chicken breast is ready to enjoy!
Serving
- Serve the pan-seared chicken breast warm with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, salad, or roasted veggies. Looking for more ideas? Check out the serving suggestions section below!
Save This Recipe!
We'll email you the post link so you can come back later!
Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Use Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts: Thin cuts usually cook faster and more evenly. If you're using whole chicken breasts, just slice them in half horizontally and gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps avoid overcooked edges or undercooked centers.
- Pat the Chicken Dry Before Seasoning: Before seasoning, make sure to pat the chicken dry using a paper towel. Extra moisture can create steam in the pan, which stops the chicken from browning properly. Dry chicken gives you that nice golden crust.
- Use a Heavy Skillet or Cast Iron Pan: For the best sear, go with a heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast iron pan. These hold heat well and cook the chicken evenly, helping you get that deep golden crust.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Always leave enough space between the chicken pieces while searing. If you're cooking more, do it in batches. A crowded pan causes steaming instead of searing, and the chicken can turn out pale and soft.
- Check Doneness with a Meat Thermometer: The easiest way to know if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part—once it reads 165°F (74°C), it’s done. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part and check that the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
- Add Butter for Extra Flavor (Optional): Once the chicken is almost done, drop in a small piece of butter and spoon it over the top a few times. It adds a rich, savory flavor and a nice glossy finish. You can also add a crushed garlic clove or a sprig of thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. This step is optional but adds a great final touch.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
This pan-seared chicken breast goes well with so many sides, making it easy to create a satisfying meal. Here are some of my go-to pairings that my family enjoys—maybe you’ll find a new favorite too!
- Rice and Grains: For a simple and filling option, pair the chicken with white rice, brown rice, basmati, or jasmine rice. You can also try farro, barley, couscous, quinoa, or wild rice for a wholesome twist.
- Pasta Dishes: Add the chicken to pasta dishes like Alfredo, garlic Parmesan, pesto, cacio e pepe, or aglio e olio for a cozy Italian-style dinner.
- Potato Dishes: Serve it with mashed potatoes, baked potatoes, or baked sweet potatoes for a hearty and comforting combo.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, zucchini, green beans, or broccoli are great choices for a healthy and colorful side.
- Sautéed Veggies: Lightly sautéed greens like spinach or kale, or veggies like mushrooms, beans, and asparagus add a fresh and flavorful touch.
- Salads: Crisp salads like arugula, a simple green salad, or Caesar salad offer a refreshing contrast to the warm, juicy chicken.
- Soups and Stews: Add leftover chicken to soups like chicken noodle, vegetable soup, or even creamy chowders to make them heartier.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend serving the pan-seared chicken breast warm, right after it comes out of the pan, to enjoy its juicy and bold flavor at its best.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 2 to 3 days.
To reheat, microwave the chicken until it’s warmed through. I don’t suggest freezing it, as freezing can change the texture and make it less tender and juicy when reheated.
Leave a Review