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
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.
Notes
Pound breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
Use a thermometer—165°F is the sweet spot for juicy chicken.
Resting keeps juices from running out.
For meal prep, make extra and store safely (see details below).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ optional 30-minute brine)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet / Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: my go-to chicken breast recipe, juicy chicken breast, easy skillet chicken, weeknight chicken recipe