Stove Top Chicken Breast (Pan Seared)
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If you love juicy chicken, this pan seared chicken breast is perfect. Enjoy it right off the stovetop or in your favorite salads & casseroles!
Stove top chicken breast is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, or a great way to prep for simple dishes all week long. Try it with mashed cauliflower, cucumber salad, or roasted cabbage steaks!
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Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Stove Top Chicken Breast (Pan Seared)
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Pan Seared Chicken Breast Ingredients
- Oil – Vegetable oil (my preference is a mild olive oil).
- Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts. You’ll want thin breasts for the best results, less than 1″ thick.
- Butter – Salted.
- Seasonings – Salt & pepper or your favorite seasoning blend (we like to use this simple spice rub).
How do you cook chicken breast on the stove top? (step-by-step)
⭐ First, dry the chicken and season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend.
⭐ Next, heat your oil in the skillet. Add chicken to the pan in a single layer, leaving some space between each breast.
⭐ Then, when underside is nicely golden brown, flip the breasts and add butter to the center of the pan. Continue cooking until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
⭐ Finally, flip the chicken once more to each side if desired before plating. Allow meat to rest before slicing.
Scroll down to the printable recipe card toward the bottom of this article for ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions.
Preparation
Can you make seared chicken breasts ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is one of my favorite ways to meal prep. Go ahead and make a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy your chicken in salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and tacos for several days.
What seasoning for stovetop chicken breast?
This depends on how you’re using the chicken after it’s done. Salt and pepper or a basic spice rub is always a safe route because it tastes great, but you can also use it in anything.
If you want more flavor try using a sprinkle of taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, chili seasoning, or dried curry powder.
Leftovers and storage
How long does skillet seared chicken breast last?
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for several days. This is the perfect meal prep recipe to help make lunches and dinners easier throughout the week.
To store, allow chicken to cool, then keep in a sealed air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can you freeze chicken breast cooked on the stove?
Yes! Allow the chicken to cool, then store tightly packed in a freezer-safe air tight container for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze in chicken broth to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw in the refrigerator or if using in soup or stew, you can thaw directly in the hot cooking liquid.
Tips, tricks, and frequently asked questions
How do I know when my chicken breast is done?
The chicken is done when the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear. The best and safest way to be sure your chicken is done is to use an instant read meat thermometer.
Remove the chicken from the skillet when it reaches 165F. (This will also give you the juiciest chicken!).
Do I have to let the chicken rest after cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, you should allow the meat to rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the stovetop.
What if my chicken is too thick or isn’t cooking through?
If your chicken breasts are thicker than about 1″, you can either pound them thinner with a meat mallet before starting, or you can finish them in the oven.
To finish your chicken breasts in the oven, first make sure your skillet is oven safe, then, after searing, place the skillet in a preheated 350F oven until the center of the chicken reads at least 165F on an instant read meat thermometer.
What to eat with pan seared chicken breast (serving suggestions)
Chicken cooked on the stove top goes great with simple vegetable sides like roasted carrots, sautéed vegetables or sheet pan roasted tomatoes. For a starch try our homemade egg noodles or roasted red potatoes!
Or add it to your favorite dishes like chicken fettuccine alfredo and chicken alfredo casserole.
More ways to prepare chicken
- How to spatchcock chicken
- Instant pot shredded chicken
- How to smoke chicken legs
- How to bake chicken wings
- Easy baked chicken
Other chicken dishes to try
- Broccoli mac and cheese with chicken
- French onion chicken recipe
- Easy butter chicken
- Best chicken spaghetti
- See all our awesome chicken dishes!
Tools we love
- Pre-seasoned cast iron skillet – I have six of these (not kidding).
- Non-stick pan – The great thing about these pans is you can get away with using very little oil to cook.
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How to Make Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Pan Seared Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil we like olive oil
- 1.5 - 2 pounds chicken breasts (1" thick or smaller) boneless skinless chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons butter
- salt & black pepper or your favorite spice rub to taste
Instructions
- Dry the chicken on both sides with a clean cloth or paper towel. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt & pepper (or your chosen spices).
- Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place chicken breasts in hot skillet in a single layer with plenty of room between each breast, and cook 5 - 7 minutes, until nicely browned.
- Flip the breasts and add the butter to the center of the pan. Cook an addition 5 - 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Use a meat thermometer to make sure you get juicy chicken breast!
Notes
Nutrition
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Love making food on the stove top? Try this pan seared steak next!
Stove Top Chicken Breast (Pan Seared)
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This is my go-to way to cook chicken for salads. It never fails!
This recipe is so dang good! Cannot get enough of it!
Thanks for showing us such a quick and easy way to make chicken – delicious!