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How to make the best seared chicken

November 2, 2017 by Olya 11 Comments

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If you crave boneless and skinless chicken breasts with a golden crust, then follow this simple recipe on how to sear a chicken breast to perfection. You will learn everything you need to know about how to sear juicy and flavorful chicken breasts.How to make the best seared chicken

How to make the best seared chicken breast

  • First things first, we will be using boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
  • Pat dry chicken breasts with paper towel. Starting with dry chicken surface leads to a moister end result because the less water there is on the surface to start, the more quickly the chicken will brown.
  • Don’t be afraid to season them well with salt and pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning, and really get lots of flavor out there!
  • After seasoning the meat, allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Salting breaks down muscle fibers so they shrink less and retain more juices as they cook.
  • Stainless steel skillets or cast iron pans conduct the heat very well and are perfect to use when searing chicken.
  • Medium-high heat works best for searing, and it’s important to use the right oil  such as vegetable, olive, canola, or peanut oil.
  • The skillet must be hot before chicken is added. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (you can also use vegetable oil or spray with cooking spray) and heat your skillet on medium high heat. Add your chicken to the hot pan, emphasis on hot. You should hear a sizzle when chicken touches the pan.
  • Resist the urge to move the chicken around as it cooks. Allowing the chicken to stay in the same place in the skillet ensures that the sear isn’t disrupted. You’ll notice that the chicken starts to release from the surface when it’s ready. If it’s sticking a lot to the pan, it’s not done searing.
  • Flip the chicken only once. Cook your chicken until it is nice and brown on the first side, 4-5 minutes, and then flip and cook for 4-5 minutes longer.

How to season the chicken

I use Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in almost every chicken recipe. These seasonings create a perfect combination of flavor to an otherwise boring chicken breast. You can get creative and sprinkle on some of your favorite spices such as taco seasoning or chili pepper.

What skillet is best for searing chicken

You will need a large stainless steel or cast iron skillet in order for chicken to have enough room to sear and not accumulate moisture. Large pan allows all liquids to evaporate quickly, contributing to a nice sear. The skillet also must be hot before chicken is added and you should hear a sizzle when chicken touches the pan.

 

How to sear boneless chicken breasts

 

Check if chicken is cooked all the way through

There are two ways to check if it’s done either by cutting the thickest part of the chicken to check if it’s pink or white or use a meat thermometer (it should register at 165 degrees).

If it’s not done, reduce heat, cover with lid and cook for a little bit longer. Using a lid at this point doesn’t affect the searing process and the chicken won’t be over-steamed if it’s cooked with a lid on at the very end only for a couple of minutes.

What to serve seared chicken with 

This chicken can be served as is or sliced in 1 inch strips. You can use it with Pasta in White Wine Sauce or serve it with Creamy Bacon Brussels sprouts.

Print Recipe
4.34 from 3 votes

How to make the best seared chicken

In this how to make the beast seared chicken recipe you will learn everything you need to know about preparing juicy and tender chicken breasts.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Course: Main Course
Servings: 4 servings
servings
Author: Olya

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. chicken breasts thick (boneless and skinless)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Season the chicken generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet and heat it to medium high. Add chicken to the hot pan, emphasis on hot. You should hear a sizzle when chicken touches the pan Cook until it is brown on the first side, 4-5 minutes, and then flip and cook for 4-5 minutes more on the other side.
  • Check if chicken is cooked all the way through. I do it either by cutting the thickest part of the chicken to check if it’s pink or white or use a meat thermometer (it should register at 165 degrees). If it’s not done, reduce heat, cover with lid and cook for a little bit longer. Using a lid at this point doesn’t affect the sear.
  • Chicken can be served as is or sliced in 1 inch strips
Nutrition Facts
How to make the best seared chicken
Amount Per Serving
Calories 162 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Cholesterol 72mg24%
Sodium 133mg6%
Potassium 419mg12%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 140IU3%
Vitamin C 1.3mg2%
Calcium 13mg1%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Filed Under: Chicken Recipes, Gluten Free, Main Dishes

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Chicken Pasta in White Wine Sauce »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Gemma

    September 10, 2020 at 12:52 pm

    Ahhh completely pink in the middle after 7 minutes on each side! Needs more like 10 minutes, on a high heat too.

    Reply
  2. Laquisha Renea Jackson

    June 1, 2020 at 11:23 pm

    Delicious!

    Reply
  3. Josh W

    January 29, 2020 at 9:27 pm

    Olya come cook at my house haha 🙂

    Great recipe. Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Dpsy

    November 24, 2019 at 10:29 pm

    You say it let the meat rest 5-10 minutes after “salting” which I assume you mean after seasoning un your link to “How to Sear Thicker Chicken” which I assumed you meant chicken thighs? But in that link no where does it explain how to cook/sear thicker chicken pieces!!?? What’s with that? Are you just trying to get people to look at your site? Bait and switch or OMIT in your case?? Please be honest with what you post!!!

    Reply
    • Olga

      November 25, 2019 at 11:29 am

      All you have to do is simply scroll down to the bottom to see the instructions. You can also click on “jump to recipe” button under the title. No need to click on “How to sear thicker chicken” link unless your chicken breasts are THICK. This is helpful if you bought chicken breasts that are thick as opposed to thin ones I used in this post.

      Reply
      • Carol Glenn

        January 3, 2020 at 10:16 pm

        Also I assume you did mean salt not season, then wait 5 min.. The science of cooking would explain letting the salt have time to react with the meat. I am sure seasoning and waiting 5 min is ok but does not actually prepare the meat right?

        Reply
        • Olga

          January 6, 2020 at 10:31 am

          I did use all of it: salt and pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. But it is salt that will penetrate the top layer of chicken the most. The remaining seasonings will cook on top to create a nice flavor overall. So basically I seasoned my chicken with everything listed above, then let it rest for 5 minutes and then I cooked it.

          Reply
  5. Liz

    December 31, 2017 at 3:33 pm

    The ingredient list doesn’t have the paprika listed. Can you add that please. I imagine it is 1 tsp. Of paprika. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Olya at Whatsinthepan

      January 2, 2018 at 11:09 am

      Thank you for catching! I added paprika to the ingredient list – it’s 1/4 teaspoon.

      Reply
  6. Martha

    December 30, 2017 at 10:43 pm

    Chicken turned out juicy and flavorful. made it a couple of times now.

    Reply
  7. Kyle

    December 30, 2017 at 10:42 pm

    I made these with steamed broccoli. Perfect easy dinner!

    Reply

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