Chicken breast is one of those ingredients that seems deceptively simple. It is lean, versatile, and widely available, yet so many home cooks find themselves serving chicken that turns out dry, bland, or rubbery. The good news is that with a few careful steps and the right technique, chicken breast can be transformed into a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that feels both comforting and satisfying.
This article will guide you through my go-to chicken breast recipe—one that balances simplicity with flavor, while also giving you room to play with variations and personal touches. By the end, you’ll not only know how to make this dish, but also how to adapt, store, and serve it with flair.
Ingredients
To ensure consistency and flavor, it’s important to measure ingredients accurately. For two servings, you’ll need:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 7–8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika if available)
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or oregano for variation)
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. For even cooking, cover them with plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy skillet until they are an even thickness, about ¾ inch thick. This prevents one side from overcooking while the other stays underdone.
Step 2: Season generously
In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, and chili flakes if using. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature; this helps the flavors penetrate and the chicken cook more evenly.
Step 3: Heat the pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and let it shimmer. A hot pan is key to achieving that golden-brown crust, which locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook without moving them for 4–5 minutes, until the first side develops a deep golden crust. Flip the breasts and reduce the heat slightly to medium.
Step 5: Add aromatics and butter
Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon it over the chicken to baste and infuse it with flavor. Continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy—this step ensures your chicken remains juicy instead of overcooked.
Step 6: Rest and garnish
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, sprinkle with parsley, and serve warm.
Conservation and Storage
This recipe is perfect for meal prep because the chicken retains its flavor and moisture when stored correctly.
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. This prevents it from drying out.
Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Avoid microwaving directly: Microwaving tends to toughen chicken. If necessary, cover it with a damp paper towel and reheat in 30-second intervals on medium power.
Variations
One of the joys of this recipe is its flexibility. By switching up spices and cooking techniques, you can adapt it to suit different cuisines and moods.
Italian-inspired: Replace paprika and thyme with dried basil, oregano, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or swap paprika for chipotle powder for a smoky, fiery twist.
Herbaceous flavor: Use fresh herbs like rosemary and tarragon, and finish with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil.
Grilled version: Follow the same seasoning steps, then cook on a preheated grill over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side.
Creamy sauce add-on: After cooking the chicken, use the same pan to create a simple cream sauce with heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and a touch of chicken stock.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken breast recipe plays well with almost anything, making it a true kitchen workhorse.
Classic pairing: Serve alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner.
Light and fresh: Slice and place over a crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a vinaigrette.
Protein-packed lunch: Tuck slices into a whole-grain wrap with hummus and spinach for a healthy midday meal.
Pasta companion: Toss sliced chicken with linguine, olive oil, garlic, and sautéed spinach.
Rice bowl: Pair with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, and a drizzle of soy sauce or teriyaki glaze for a quick weekday bowl.
Conclusion
Chicken breast doesn’t have to be boring or dry. With the right preparation—pounding, seasoning, searing, and resting—it becomes juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. My go-to chicken breast recipe delivers a perfect balance of simplicity and taste, while also offering room for creativity through variations and serving styles.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal, stocking up on make-ahead lunches, or dressing it up for a dinner party, this recipe proves that chicken breast can be anything but ordinary. With a little care, you’ll find yourself returning to this dish again and again, not only because of its flavor but also because of its adaptability.
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My Go-To Chicken Breast Recipe: Flavorful, Juicy, and Easy to Master
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken breast doesn’t have to be dry or boring. With pounding, seasoning, searing, and resting, you can achieve juicy, golden-brown chicken every time. This recipe balances simplicity with flavor, offering flexible variations for every craving.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (7–8 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
1 tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (smoked if available)
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried thyme (or oregano)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tbsp)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken
Pound chicken breasts to ¾-inch thickness for even cooking.
Step 2: Season generously
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, thyme, and chili flakes. Pat chicken dry, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and rub in seasoning. Let rest 10–15 minutes.
Step 3: Heat the pan
Warm remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Sear the chicken
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes undisturbed until golden. Flip, reduce heat to medium.
Step 5: Add aromatics and butter
Add butter and garlic. Baste chicken as it cooks for 4–6 minutes until internal temp is 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Rest and garnish
Rest 5 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice, sprinkle parsley, and serve.
Notes
Pound evenly for best results.
Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Resting is essential for juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken breast, juicy chicken, skillet chicken