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best chicken breast recipe in a skillet

The Best Chicken Breast I’ve Ever Made

Juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, this chicken breast recipe is a go-to favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With golden sear marks, a lemon-garlic kick, and fresh herbs, it’s the ultimate comfort dish your family will request over and over.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 34 minutes
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Equipment:
  • Skillet (oven-safe if possible)
  • - Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Instructions:
  2. Preheat Oven:
  3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Season the Chicken:
  5. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this marinade over each chicken breast thoroughly.
  6. Sear the Chicken:
  7. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for about 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
  8. Finish in the Oven:
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or place chicken into an oven-safe dish). Bake for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Rest and Garnish:
  11. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Notes:
For extra tenderness, you can brine the chicken in salted water for 15–30 minutes before seasoning.