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A sliced, juicy chicken breast with a golden-brown crust served on a gray plate with a side of asparagus.
FL Recipes

Chicken Breast Recipe (Juicy, Easy & Perfect Every Time!)

This easy chicken breast recipe uses a foolproof pan-sear and bake method to guarantee perfectly juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken every single time. Ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 oz each, pounded to an even 3/4-inch thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Large oven-safe skillet (12-inch) A cast-iron skillet works best.
  • 1 Instant-read meat thermometer Essential for perfectly cooked chicken.
  • 1 Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. If needed, pound the thicker parts to ensure an even 3/4-inch thickness.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Drizzle the chicken with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the chicken.
  3. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, place the chicken in the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, without moving, until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
  4. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at its thickest point.
  5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalProtein: 43gFat: 12gFiber: 1g

Notes

Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a beautiful sear.
Use a Thermometer: The single best way to guarantee your chicken is cooked perfectly—not over or under—is to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
Let it Rest: Don't skip the resting period! This is critical for keeping the chicken juicy.
Keyword baked chicken breast,easy chicken breast recipe,juicy chicken,pan-seared chicken

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