Every home cook needs a reliable, go-to recipe that always delivers. For me, that recipe is chicken breast—simple, juicy, and versatile enough to fit nearly any meal. While chicken breast is one of the most popular proteins worldwide, it also has a reputation for being bland or dry if not cooked properly. That’s where this recipe shines. It’s flavorful, tender, and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.

By combining the right balance of seasoning, proper cooking technique, and a touch of patience, you’ll end up with chicken breasts that are golden on the outside and perfectly juicy inside. Let’s dive into the recipe that has become my dependable favorite.

Ingredients

To serve 4 people, you will need the following:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz / 170–200 g each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika if preferred)
½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning blend)
Juice of ½ lemon (optional, for finishing)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional brine (recommended for extra juiciness):

4 cups water
3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

If time allows, start by brining the chicken breasts. Dissolve the salt and sugar in water, then submerge the chicken for 20–30 minutes. Brining helps the meat absorb moisture, making it tender and juicy after cooking. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels once finished.

Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. If some breasts are much thicker than others, gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are an even thickness—about ¾ inch (2 cm). This ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a plate or baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, rubbing it in to coat evenly. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently so it adheres.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if the pan isn’t already lightly coated. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes until the bottoms develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking

Flip the chicken breasts and reduce the heat slightly to medium. Cook for another 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

If the chicken is browning too quickly, cover the pan loosely with a lid to allow the centers to cook through without burning the outside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful chicken. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley if desired.

Conservation and Storage

This recipe is excellent for meal prepping because chicken breasts keep well when stored properly.

Refrigeration: Place cooled chicken in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual breasts in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently in a skillet or oven.
Reheating: Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry the chicken. Instead, reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Variations

One of the reasons this recipe is my go-to is its adaptability. You can change the flavors easily by tweaking the seasoning or cooking method.

Herb-Crusted: Swap paprika for rosemary and thyme for a more herbaceous flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning blend.
Citrus-Garlic: Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.
Oven-Baked Option: Place seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, depending on thickness.
Grilled Version: Preheat the grill to medium-high. Cook the breasts for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. This adds a smoky flavor perfect for summer meals.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Don’t Overcook: The most common mistake with chicken breast is cooking it too long. Always use a thermometer for accuracy.
Pound Evenly: Uniform thickness prevents dry edges and undercooked centers.
Let It Rest: Resting after cooking is crucial for juicy meat.
Use High Heat to Start: A hot sear locks in flavor and creates a beautiful golden crust.
Experiment with Spices: The base recipe is neutral, so feel free to tailor it with your favorite spice blends.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken breast recipe is a blank canvas for countless meals. Here are some ways to serve it:

With Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced dinner.
On a Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over mixed greens with a vinaigrette.
In Wraps or Sandwiches: Use leftovers in pita pockets, wraps, or paninis for a quick lunch.
With Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, rice pilaf, or couscous for a hearty meal.
Pasta Night: Slice and toss with creamy Alfredo or tomato basil pasta.
Meal Prep Bowls: Combine with roasted vegetables and brown rice for ready-to-go weekday lunches.

Conclusion

My go-to chicken breast recipe is proof that simple ingredients and careful technique can transform an ordinary cut of meat into something extraordinary. With its golden sear, juicy interior, and flexible flavor profile, this dish works in countless settings—from casual weeknight dinners to elegant entertaining.

The best part? It’s quick, adaptable, and practically foolproof once you master the basics. Whether you enjoy it straight from the skillet, paired with vibrant sides, or repurposed in salads and sandwiches, this recipe proves why chicken breast deserves a spot in every cook’s repertoire. Juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of dish that will never let you down.

Save

My Go-To Chicken Breast Recipe

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 27 minutes (without brine)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy, golden, and packed with flavor—this go-to chicken breast recipe is simple, versatile, and foolproof. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–7 oz / 170–200 g each)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)

½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)

Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Brine (recommended for juiciness):

4 cups water

3 tablespoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Optional—brine the chicken in water, salt, and sugar for 20–30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry. Trim excess fat and pound breasts to even ¾-inch thickness.

Season: Drizzle chicken with olive oil. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub seasoning onto both sides.

Sear: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes, undisturbed, until golden.

Flip & Finish: Turn chicken, reduce heat to medium, and cook 5–7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest: Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Rest 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with lemon juice and parsley if desired.