Name: Pan Seared Chicken Breast
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 1 pound); 1/2 – 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Jump to Recipe

sliced chicken breast in a skillet garnished with parsley

Why I love pan seared chicken breast

There are so many ways to cook boneless, skinless chicken breast, and many methods result is bland, dried out or tough meat. But, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered. My favorite method is a quick pan sear in a frying pan or a grilling pan.

I think it’s the best way to cook chicken for salad for an easy meal, or for adding to your favorite salads – like this chicken cobb salad with homemade ranch dressing or my favorite caesar salad with homemade croutons.

More ways to cook chicken: smoked chicken breast / grilled chicken tenders / grilled chicken thighs

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

Large skillet (you could also use a grill pan!)
Measuring spoons
Meat thermometer
Meat mallet or small saucepan

sliced, cooked chicken breast in a cast iron skillet with sprigs of fresh parsley

How to cook chicken on the stove

Prepare the chicken breast.

I recommend pounding your chicken breast to about 1-inch thick. This step is technically optional, but this helps them cook more evenly.

I like to use the bottom of a small saucepan to do this, but you can also use a meat mallet. Just cover the meat (I usually use parchment paper or a ziptop bag) and hit the chicken until it flattens.

After you’ve pounded the chicken, season it liberally with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Cook the chicken.

Preheat your skillet to medium-high. Then, add super-thin coating of oil or cooking spray to the pan. Add the chicken and cook for 4 – 5 minutes per side, turning once.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165˚F, but you can take it off the heat at 155-160˚F and let it rest before serving.

FAQs and tips for making the best chicken breast

What is the best way to cook chicken breast?

I think the best method for cooking chicken breast is pan-searing. It forms a nice, golden brown crust on the chicken and, if you do it properly, the chicken turns out flavorful and juicy.

How long does it take to cook chicken in a frying pan?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast should take 8 – 10 minutes in a frying pan over medium-high heat. This can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of the stove.

How do you know when chicken is done?

Chicken breast should be cooked to 165˚F and the centers should no longer be pink. The best way to tell is with a meat thermometer, but you can

closeup of sliced, pan seared chicken breast in a cast iron skillet

This would be great with:

More easy chicken recipes: