Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that feels more like chewing leather than enjoying a delicious meal? Get ready to transform your cooking game with this foolproof Classic Boneless Chicken Breasts recipe that guarantees mouth-watering, tender chicken in just 30 minutes! Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned home cook, these simple techniques will elevate your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, making you the star of every dinner table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a uniform seasoning blend.
- Evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of each chicken breast, gently pressing the spices into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to promote proper browning.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving, allowing a golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip chicken breasts using tongs and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on the other side.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer - chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove chicken from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Slice chicken against the grain and serve immediately with your preferred side dishes.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let chicken sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Browning: Thoroughly pat chicken dry with paper towels to achieve that gorgeous golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give each chicken breast breathing room to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The key to perfectly cooked chicken is hitting that 165°F internal temperature - no guesswork needed!
- Let It Rest: Allowing chicken to rest after cooking helps redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with your spice blend - a good coating of seasoning makes all the difference in flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 85mg
