Craving a quick, healthy, and delicious meal? This 10 minutes fried chicken breast recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a fast and flavorful protein option. With just a few ingredients and a simple cooking technique, you can have perfectly juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts on your plate in no time.
1. 10-Minute Pan Fried Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Pound the chicken (optional): For even cooking, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch thick). This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
Step 2: Heat the Pan
Preheat the skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Let the pan get nice and hot—this helps form a golden crust on the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Breasts
Cook the chicken: Once the oil is shimmering, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing the chicken to develop a golden-brown sear.
Flip and cook: Flip the chicken breasts and cook for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Thicker chicken breasts may need an additional minute or two. If using a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the breast to check for doneness.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Rest the chicken: Once done, transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and let them rest for 2-3 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Garnish and serve: Drizzle with a little lemon juice for brightness, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.
2. Variations
Lemon-Herb Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon thyme to the seasoning mix, and serve with lemon wedges for a Mediterranean twist.
Spicy Pan-Fried Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
Garlic Butter Chicken: During the last minute of cooking, add a pat of butter and a couple of crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken breasts for extra flavor.
3. What to Serve with Pan Fried Chicken Breasts
Salads: Serve the chicken over a fresh green salad for a light, healthy meal.
Pasta: Pair with your favorite pasta and sauce, or toss the chicken into a creamy alfredo or pesto pasta.
Vegetables: Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or carrots, make a great side dish.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve with cooked rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling meal.
4. Leftovers and Storage
Storing: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until warmed through.
This 10 minute pan fried chicken breast recipe is the perfect solution when you need a quick, healthy, and delicious meal. With minimal ingredients and simple preparation, you can have tender, juicy chicken breasts that pair well with almost any side dish.
