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Sliced juicy chicken breast on a rustic wooden cutting board, garnished with thyme and lemon, served with roasted vegetables and olive oil.

Chicken Breast Recipe

Laura
Quick, juicy, and flavorful, this Chicken Breast Recipe is perfect for busy nights! Discover the best ways to cook it tender every time.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Extra virgin preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Regular paprika can be substituted
  • 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme Fresh thyme can be used instead
  • 0.5 piece Lemon Juiced

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat or tendons.
  • Season: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and lemon juice. Rub evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • Marinate (Optional): For best flavor, marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
  • Sear: Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a touch of oil and sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Marination Tip: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Don’t Overcook: Chicken breast dries out quickly, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without going over.
Oven Finish: Searing on the stove and finishing in the oven gives a crispy outside and juicy inside, perfect texture every time.
Customize It: This recipe works well with other seasonings like Italian herbs, chili powder, or even a honey mustard glaze.
Meal Prep Friendly: Cooked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, great for salads, wraps, or rice bowls.
Make it a Meal: Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a quinoa salad for a balanced, satisfying dish.