Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Look no further! Crispy pan chicken recipes are a great way to mix things up and add some excitement to your mealtime. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they’re also incredibly delicious. In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering crispy pan chicken recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights.
From classic comfort foods like garlic butter pan-seared chicken thighs to international-inspired dishes like spicy Korean gochujang chicken skillet, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or prefer milder options, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your favorite pan and get ready to cook up some crispy, juicy, and utterly irresistible chicken. Let’s dive in and explore the amazing world of pan-seared chicken!
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that yields crispy, juicy chicken thighs smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse chicken thighs under cold water, pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from the oven and brush the garlic butter mixture evenly onto each thigh.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Lemon Herb Skillet Chicken Breast
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this zesty and aromatic recipe that combines the freshness of lemon, the earthiness of herbs, and the simplicity of a skillet.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brush the herb mixture evenly on both sides of each breast.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Honey Sriracha Pan-Fried Chicken
A sweet and spicy twist on classic pan-fried chicken, this recipe combines the richness of honey with the bold flavor of sriracha. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a shallow dish, whisk together honey, sriracha sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 15-20 minutes.
3. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Pan-fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 12-15 minutes total, depending on the size of your chicken breasts.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Cutlets
Transform ordinary chicken cutlets into a crispy, savory delight with this simple recipe. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these parmesan-crusted cutlets are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken cutlet into the beaten egg and then coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Veggie Medley
A flavorful and nutritious one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory aromatics in a single pan for an effortless meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan.
3. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Return the chicken to the pan.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cajun Spiced Skillet Chicken Drumsticks
Add a kick of flavor to your weeknight dinner with these spicy Cajun-inspired chicken drumsticks. Marinate them in a blend of zesty spices, then sear them to perfection in a hot skillet.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat with about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil.
4. Remove the drumsticks from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Sear the drumsticks in the hot oil for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and crispy.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Balsamic Glazed Pan-Roasted Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and tangy Balsamic Glazed Pan-Roasted Chicken, perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup balsamic glaze (or reduced balsamic vinegar)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic glaze, olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned.
5. Brush the balsamic glaze mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pan-Fried Chicken with Mushroom Cream Sauce
Savor the flavors of a rich and creamy sauce paired with crispy pan-fried chicken in this indulgent recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and flour.
2. Pan-fry chicken in butter until golden brown and cooked through (6-8 minutes per side).
3. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms in butter until tender and fragrant (4-5 minutes).
4. Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard to the mushroom pan and stir to combine.
5. Simmer sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
6. Serve chicken breasts with mushroom cream sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Korean Gochujang Chicken Skillet
This spicy skillet recipe combines the bold flavors of gochujang with crispy chicken and crunchy vegetables, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp gochujang paste
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir in the gochujang paste, soy sauce, and honey.
6. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Rosemary Garlic Pan-Seared Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this aromatic and flavorful recipe featuring the classic combination of rosemary and garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Add the chopped rosemary and stir for another minute, until the aroma fills the air.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes with Herbs
This recipe is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and hearty dish ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add the potatoes, garlic, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine with the potatoes and herbs.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: About 35-40 minutes
Pan-Cooked Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce
Elevate your chicken dish with a bright and tangy lemon caper sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields tender and flavorful chicken breasts with a rich and citrusy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the skillet and cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
6. Add the lemon juice, capers, and chopped parsley (if using) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
7. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
8. Serve the chicken breasts with the lemon caper sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Smoky Paprika Skillet Chicken Quarters
This recipe brings a smoky and spicy twist to traditional chicken quarters, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game-day snack. Smoked paprika adds a deep, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy skin and juicy meat.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken quarters
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken quarters and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until browned and crispy.
4. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
6. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Pan-Fried Chicken with Garlic Spinach
This recipe combines the simplicity of pan-frying chicken breasts with the rich flavor of garlic spinach, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy this tasty dish in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 bunch of fresh spinach, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together minced garlic and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the garlic mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the preheated pan and place the coated chicken breasts.
5. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and sauté the chopped spinach until wilted.
7. Serve the pan-fried chicken with the garlic spinach spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry Skillet
This quick and flavorful skillet dish combines the sweetness of teriyaki sauce with the savory flavor of chicken, all cooked to perfection in one pan. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tsp grated ginger
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 cup snow peas, sliced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, then bell peppers and snow peas. Cook until tender, about 4-6 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Pour into the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Add cooked chicken back into the pan and toss with teriyaki glaze until coated.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Rice with Saffron
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this aromatic one-pan wonder. Succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and the subtle warmth of saffron come together in a harmonious union.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
– 3 cups chicken broth
– 1 tsp saffron threads, soaked in 1 tbsp hot water
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat with any remaining oil. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the chicken broth, soaked saffron, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet, making sure it’s covered with the rice mixture.
6. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Seared Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Elevate your chicken dish with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the richness of pan-searing. This recipe yields a flavorful and juicy chicken breast with a savory twist.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic, and thyme.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Pan-sear chicken in a hot skillet coated with cooking spray for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and top each breast with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Maple Dijon Skillet Chicken Thighs
A sweet and savory twist on classic chicken thighs, these Maple Dijon Skillet Chicken Thighs are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and thyme.
3. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs for 5 minutes on each side, or until browned.
5. Pour the Maple-Dijon glaze over the chicken thighs and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Fried Chicken with Creamy Mustard Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines crispy pan-fried chicken with a tangy and creamy mustard sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Season the chicken breasts with flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and whole-grain mustard.
4. Serve the pan-fried chicken with the creamy mustard sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Brussels Sprouts Bake
A flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with protein and fiber.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the Brussels sprouts, garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
6. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Brussels sprouts are tender.
8. Remove from the oven and top with shredded cheese (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Summary
Get ready to impress your family and friends with these mouth-watering pan chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international flavors, this collection of 20 crispy pan chicken recipes has something for every taste bud. With easy-to-follow instructions and minimal cleanup, these one-pot wonders are perfect for busy weeknights. Discover new favorites like Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs, Honey Sriracha Pan-Fried Chicken, and Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Stir-Fry Skillet. Whether you’re in the mood for savory, sweet, or spicy, there’s a pan chicken recipe here to satisfy your cravings.
