Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe: Quick and Delicious Weeknight Dinner

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Cooking chicken breast in a skillet is one of the easiest and quickest ways to get a delicious meal on the table. Whether you’re using a cast iron or a regular skillet, you can expect juicy and flavorful chicken with a golden crust. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need a simple, yet tasty dinner option.

In this blog post, I’ll share some of the best skillet chicken breast recipes that are sure to impress. From juicy cast iron chicken breasts to creamy, tangy pepperoncini chicken, these recipes are all about making your dinner preparation as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

To make delicious skillet chicken breasts, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless
• Cooking Oil: Canola, avocado, or sunflower oil

Seasonings:

• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Garlic Powder (Optional)
• Old Bay Seasoning (Optional)

Optional Additions:

• Butter: Adds richness.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• Chicken Broth or Water: Keeps the chicken moist.

Possible Substitutes:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicier, but will take longer to cook.
• Olive Oil: Can replace any of the oils mentioned.
• Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: For a bit of spice instead of Old Bay.
• Vegetable or Beef Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth.

A Simple Example Seasoning Mix:

• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Paprika

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients to suit your taste. Happy cooking!

Instructions

1. 
   

   Prepare the Chicken
   Use a paper towel to pat the chicken breasts dry.

   
   
2. 
   

   Season
   Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

   
   
3. 
   

   Heat the Skillet
   Place a skillet (preferably cast iron) on the stove over medium-high heat.
   Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Heat until the oil is shimmering.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cook the Chicken
   Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Cook, uncovered, for 2-3 minutes or until golden.
   Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to low.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add Moisture
   Add a few tablespoons of water or broth to the skillet.
   Cover with a lid or aluminum foil. This keeps the chicken juicy.

   
   
6. 
   

   Finish Cooking
   Cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
   Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

   
   
7. 
   

   Optional Sauce
   Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan.
   Sauté garlic and shallots for 2-5 minutes until fragrant.
   Add wine and broth, and scrape any browned bits from the bottom. Cook until the sauce thickens.

   
   

Enjoy your juicy skillet chicken breast!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Seasoning: Always season your chicken well. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasoning into the chicken for the best flavor.

Preheating the Skillet: Get your skillet hot before adding the chicken. This helps sear the chicken and lock in juices.

Oil Choice: Use olive oil or another high-heat oil like vegetable oil. It helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

Cooking Time: Cook chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes per side. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Basting: For extra juiciness, baste your chicken with butter or oil. Spoon the melted butter over the chicken as it cooks.

Lid or Foil: Covering the skillet helps retain moisture. This is especially useful if you’re cooking thicker chicken breasts.

Resting: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more juicy.

Storing:

1. Refrigerating: Store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 4 days.
2. Freezing: Wrap chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
3. Reheating: Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for a few minutes, until heated through.

Quick Tip: Let frozen chicken thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

One way to change up your skillet chicken breast is by using different spices and herbs. For a spicy kick, try adding chili powder or turmeric. For a herbal twist, use rosemary, thyme, or basil. You can also marinate the chicken in lemon juice, soy sauce, or buttermilk before cooking for a different flavor.

If you’re looking to add a sauce, try a mushroom sauce. Sauté mushrooms and garlic in the skillet, then add some cream or milk and a bit of parsley. This makes a delicious, creamy topping for your chicken.

Another idea is to serve the chicken with a side salad. A simple avocado salad with romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and onions pairs very well with skillet chicken.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve skillet chicken breast with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Steamed vegetables
• Rice
• Pasta

Don’t forget to garnish your dish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top while the chicken is still hot for a melty finish.