When it comes to weeknight dinners, few things are as reliable and satisfying as a perfectly cooked pan-seared chicken breast. With its crispy exterior and juicy interior, this versatile dish can be dressed up or down to suit any taste or occasion. And with the endless array of flavor combinations available, you’re never stuck in a rut. In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering pan-seared chicken breast recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen.
From classic garlic butter and lemon herb to more adventurous honey mustard and Cajun spiced, these recipes offer something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special occasion-worthy meal, we’ve got you covered.
Garlic Butter Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that combines the richness of butter and garlic with a crispy pan-seared crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together softened butter and minced garlic until well combined.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of the garlic butter to the preheated pan and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
5. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Lemon Herb Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this bright and citrusy recipe that combines the tender flavors of chicken breast with the zesty punch of lemon and herbs. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 1/4 cup)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly.
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
6. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Transfer to oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Honey Mustard Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Honey Mustard Pan-Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
This sweet and tangy recipe yields a juicy and flavorful chicken breast, perfect for any occasion.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey and Dijon mustard.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- During the last minute of cooking, brush the honey-mustard mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
- Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking time: Approximately 20-25 minutes total.
Balsamic Glazed Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this elegant and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of balsamic glaze with the tender crunch of pan-seared chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Pan-fry the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Brush the balsamic glaze all over the chicken breasts during the last minute of cooking.
6. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized.
7. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cajun Spiced Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful Cajun-inspired dish, featuring crispy-skinned chicken breast smothered in a spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or homemade blend)
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Add olive oil to the preheated skillet and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and add a squeeze of lemon juice to the skillet.
6. Serve the chicken breasts with the spicy pan sauce spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Parmesan Crusted Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this crispy and juicy Parmesan crusted pan seared chicken breast recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Add olive oil to the preheated pan and sear the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total (6-7 minutes per breast)
Rosemary Garlic Pan Seared Chicken Breast
A classic combination of flavors, this recipe showcases the boldness of rosemary and garlic paired with tender chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat the pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl it around.
4. Sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. While the chicken is cooking, mix together the minced garlic and chopped rosemary in a small bowl.
6. Once the chicken is done, remove from heat and brush with the garlic-rosemary mixture.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Maple Dijon Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the richness of maple syrup with the boldness of Dijon mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together maple syrup and Dijon mustard until well combined.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan and swirl to coat.
5. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush the maple-Dijon glaze over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh thyme leaves if desired.
8. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total
Sun-Dried Tomato Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a flavorful and aromatic dish with the rich taste of sun-dried tomatoes. This pan-searing method ensures a crispy crust on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove from heat and top each breast with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic.
6. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until cooked through.
7. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Spicy Sriracha Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the spicy kick of sriracha with the tender juiciness of pan-seared chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Brush the mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts.
4. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. During the last minute of cooking, brush the sriracha sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Herb de Provence Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your dinner game with this flavorful and aromatic pan-seared chicken breast recipe, infused with the warmth of Herb de Provence. This classic Provençal blend of herbs adds a depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy, caramelized crust on the chicken.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp Herb de Provence
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Herb de Provence.
3. Add olive oil to the skillet and swirl it around.
4. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes total
Teriyaki Glazed Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your meal with this sweet and savory teriyaki glazed pan seared chicken breast recipe. A classic Japanese-inspired dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Brush the teriyaki glaze all over the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Smoky Paprika Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful and aromatic recipe that combines the richness of paprika with the smokiness of liquid smoke. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
– 1/4 cup liquid smoke
Instructions:
1. Preheat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the paprika mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken.
5. Add garlic (if using) to the pan and sauté for 1 minute.
6. Sear the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
7. Remove from heat and brush with liquid smoke.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Cilantro Lime Pan Seared Chicken Breast
This recipe combines the bright flavors of cilantro and lime with the tender juiciness of pan-seared chicken breast, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Add the olive oil to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat.
5. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Brush the cilantro-lime mixture onto the chicken during the last minute of cooking.
7. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Pesto Marinated Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Pesto Marinated Pan Seared Chicken Breast Recipe
A flavorful and aromatic twist on classic pan-seared chicken breast, this recipe infuses the dish with the rich flavors of pesto marinade.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly made or store-bought basil pesto
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together pesto, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Pan-sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh parsley leaves.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Brown Sugar Glazed Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken dish with a rich brown sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the pan-seared breast. This recipe yields a juicy and flavorful main course perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh thyme leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic.
2. Add the olive oil to the skillet and sear the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, and soy sauce.
4. Brush the glaze over the chicken breasts during the last minute of cooking.
5. Remove from heat and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with thyme leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Thyme and Lemon Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your meal with this refreshing and flavorful pan-seared chicken breast recipe, where the brightness of lemon and the earthiness of thyme create a match made in heaven.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, butter, and thyme.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Heat the pan-searing mixture over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side.
5. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chimichurri Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful Argentine-inspired dish. A tangy and herby chimichurri sauce adds a burst of citrusy goodness to pan-seared chicken breast.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup freshly chopped parsley
– 1/4 cup freshly chopped oregano
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Add chimichurri mixture to chicken breasts, spreading evenly on both sides.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the tender flavors of pan-seared chicken breast with these 18 mouthwatering recipes perfect for weeknight dinners. From classic garlic butter and lemon herb to bold Cajun spiced and spicy Sriracha, there’s a flavor combination to suit every taste. Each recipe offers a unique twist on the traditional pan-seared chicken breast, whether it’s a sweet honey mustard glaze or a savory balsamic reduction. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, these recipes are sure to become staples in your kitchen arsenal.
