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Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.3 from 23 reviews

This Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breasts Recipe delivers perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful chicken breasts using a simple stovetop method. Seasoned with a blend of garlic, onion, basil, and paprika, and finished with butter for a rich taste, this recipe ensures juicy chicken every time without the need for an oven.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound total)
  • Salt, to taste
  • 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

Cooking Oils and Butter

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of vegetable or canola oil over medium-high heat in a large 10-inch or 12-inch skillet until shimmering and hot.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Drizzle a little oil or spray with cooking spray over each piece, then rub it evenly to coat all sides.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and paprika. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with the seasoning blend, rubbing it into the meat for full coverage.
  4. Cook the First Batch: Place two chicken breasts in the hot skillet, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes to develop a golden crust.
  5. Flip and Add Butter: Turn the chicken breasts over. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface. Continue cooking for 7 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, adjusting time based on thickness.
  6. Rest and Repeat: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the skillet and keep them covered to maintain warmth. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining two chicken breasts.
  7. Finish and Serve: Once all chicken breasts are cooked, transfer them to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are dry before seasoning to achieve a better sear.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts; use a meat thermometer to ensure 165°F internal temperature.
  • Butter adds richness and helps keep the chicken juicy while cooking.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents the juices from escaping when sliced.
  • You can substitute vegetable or canola oil with olive oil if preferred.