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Easy Pan-Fried Chicken Breast Recipe for Juicy Crispy Perfection

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A quick and simple pan-fried chicken breast recipe that delivers juicy, tender meat with crispy golden edges using basic pantry ingredients and straightforward technique.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each)
  • Salt (kosher or sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Garlic powder (optional but recommended)
  • Smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or rice/almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or plant-based alternative for dairy-free)
  • Fresh lemon (optional, for squeezing before serving)

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place between two sheets of parchment or plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch thick.
  2. Pat each breast dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Lightly dust with all-purpose flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat and add olive oil, swirling to coat. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Lay the chicken breasts gently into the pan, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms.
  5. Flip the breasts carefully using tongs. Add butter to the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chicken (basting). Cook another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Remove chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Notes

Pat chicken dry to ensure crispiness. Cook on medium heat to avoid burning or rubbery texture. Let chicken rest after cooking for juicy results. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness at 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute flour with rice or almond flour. For dairy-free, omit butter or use plant-based alternative. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain a good sear.

Nutrition

Keywords: pan-fried chicken breast, crispy chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, juicy chicken breast, weeknight dinner, simple chicken recipe

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