Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breasts Recipe

Introduction

This juicy stove top chicken breasts recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a simple blend of spices and a buttery finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil, divided
• 4 (1 pound total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Cooking spray
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large 10-inch or 12-inch skillet.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
3. Step 3: Drizzle a little oil over each chicken breast or spray with cooking spray, then rub it all over the surface.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and paprika.
5. Step 5: Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with the spice mixture, rubbing it evenly.
6. Step 6: Add 2 chicken breasts to the hot skillet and let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes.
7. Step 7: Flip the chicken breasts, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet, swirl it around, and continue cooking for another 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Timing depends on thickness.
8. Step 8: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet, cover them to keep warm, and repeat the process with the remaining 2 chicken breasts.
9. Step 9: Once all chicken is cooked, transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• Try substituting dried oregano or thyme for basil to change up the flavor profile.
• For extra moisture, baste the chicken with the melted butter during cooking.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Bone-in breasts will require longer cooking times and may need to be covered while cooking to ensure they cook through evenly. Adjust accordingly and check internal temperature.

What can I serve with stove top chicken breasts?

This chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breasts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

This Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breasts Recipe delivers perfectly tender and flavorful chicken breasts cooked on the stovetop, with a delicious blend of herbs and spices and butter for richness. It’s an easy, quick method to get moist, juicy chicken breasts every time without the oven.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

Cooking Fats

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil, divided
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• Cooking spray, as needed

Instructions

1. Heat Oil: Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large 10- or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough for cooking.
2. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure better browning and prevent steaming.
3. Oil Chicken: Drizzle a little oil over each chicken breast or spray with cooking spray, then rub it all over the chicken to coat evenly.
4. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and paprika; mix well.
5. Season Chicken: Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring full coverage for flavor.
6. Cook First Batch: Place two seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet without crowding. Cook without moving for 5 to 7 minutes to develop a golden crust.
7. Flip and Add Butter: Flip the chicken breasts, add 1 tablespoon butter to the skillet, swirling it around to melt and coat the pan.
8. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking the chicken for about 7 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), adjusting time based on thickness for moist results.
9. Rest First Batch: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, cover to keep warm, and set aside while cooking the remaining breasts.
10. Cook Second Batch: Repeat the process with the remaining two chicken breasts using the remaining oil and butter.
11. Rest and Serve: Transfer all cooked chicken to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, then slice and serve.

Notes

• Patting chicken dry before cooking ensures a better sear and more flavorful crust.
• Butter adds richness but can be substituted with olive oil for a lighter option.
• Cooking times vary depending on breast thickness; using a meat thermometer is recommended.
• Resting the chicken after cooking keeps it juicy and tender by allowing juices to settle.
• This recipe is ideal for stovetop cooking and does not require oven use.

Keywords: stove top chicken breasts, juicy chicken breasts, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken breast, quick chicken dinner, seasoned chicken breasts