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Perfect Pan Seared Chicken Breasts

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Pan Seared Chicken Breasts with gravy recipe are one of the easiest and most simple chicken dishes that you can make. They are also very versatile, meaning that they can be paired with a variety of different side dishes.

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plate of pan seared chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans

Pan-seared chicken breasts with homemade gravy are a perfect weeknight dinner idea and can be paired with nearly any side dish. It’s easier than you think to make perfectly juicy chicken breasts on the stovetop! The secret is my simple, tried-and-true technique for creating a great sear without over-drying the chicken. Give my pan-seared chicken and gravy recipe a try and enjoy this as a 30-minute meal tonight.

Easy Pan Seared Chicken Breasts and Gravy

Chicken breasts are one of the most common proteins to have on hand, but they can be difficult to work with to make an easy weeknight dinner. While white meat is tasty, it really isn’t anything exciting.

There are a million different ways to prepare breasts, but some recipes are very labor-intensive or take too long, and/or leave you with a dried-out and rubbery dish.

Sometimes you just need to get back to basics! With this recipe, I’ll teach you how to cook the juiciest chicken breasts by perfecting a simple, classic searing method… in less than 30 minutes! It is so easy, you can even make side dishes at the same time and have dinner ready super quickly.

Why sear? By searing chicken breasts in a hot skillet, the outside of the breast becomes beautifully caramelized and flavorful. The juices are then sealed inside, so every bite is moist and tender.

You don’t need lots of seasonings or anything special – the chicken is the star of the show here!

Pan seared chicken with homemade gravy is not only an easy recipe to make, but it is also a healthier alternative to other chicken breasts dishes – like fried or breaded and baked chicken dinners.

This simple recipe is low in carbs, but still high in protein and very tasty.

skillet of easy seared chicken breasts

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

  • Chicken – I used skinless, boneless chicken breasts, but you can also use other cuts of chicken of your choice.
  • Seasoning – Black pepper and kosher salt is used to add flavor to our recipe. However, you can also add your favorite blend of seasonings such as paprika, dried thyme, garlic powder, dried rosemary, dried oregano, or dried basil.
  • Olive oil – Used for searing and to keep the chicken from sticking to the pan. You can also use any oil of your choice, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil.
  • Gravy – We used chicken stock, corn starch, and butter to make homemade gravy that complements this recipe.

Kitchen Tool Needed

close up of skillet of pan seared chicken

How to Make Pan Seared Chicken Breast

With my handy tips and step-by-step recipe, you’ll be making perfectly juicy simple pan seared chicken breasts in no time!

Tip #1

To properly sear chicken, pat chicken breasts with paper towels to ensure they are completely dry.

After you’ve thoroughly dried the breasts, pound them flat to help them cook quicker and more evenly.

Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet and carefully lay in the chicken breasts. Cook for a few minutes on each side to sear to a golden brown.

raw chicken breasts in skillet on the stove

Tip #2

Heat and temperature are key! After the chicken is seared, low heat finishes cooking the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.

Cover the seared chicken with a lid as you continue cooking on low in the skillet. This ensures that the juices stay locked in and will help avoid undercooking.

Monitor the internal temperature of the chicken as it cooks, ensuring it does not go above 165º F.

For more tips on pan searing chicken (including video prep) see our Chicken Piccata recipe.

skillet of chicken showing how to perfectly sear chicken
Add a lid to help seal in the moisture after searing the chicken

To keep the chicken breasts moist, let rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving.

Make Easy Homemade Chicken Gravy

Use the same skillet and drippings to make a quick gravy while the pan-seared chicken breasts rest.

Here are the simple steps for making a yummy chicken gravy from scratch:

  1. First mix together cold chicken broth and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring until smooth.
  2. Then add butter to the skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s melted, add the broth and cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boiling as you continue to stir, and deglaze the pan by scraping to loosen browned bits.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium-low; simmer and stir for a few minutes until the gravy has thickened.

Immediately remove the pan from the heat, and spoon hot gravy over your chicken dish.

What To Serve with pan seared chicken breasts

Potatoes are by far my favorite starch to serve alongside juicy chicken breasts. Try these incredibly easy and delicious no-drain Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes, Hassleback Potatoes, or this delicious Instant Pot Loaded Potato Casserole.

Our Sourdough Stuffing recipe is perfect for a holiday-inspired meal and goes great with the homemade chicken gravy from this recipe.

And you should definitely have a basket of fresh, hot Drop Biscuits with Self Rising Flour on the dinner table!

Need something sweet after a wonderfully hearty, savory meal? Give this quick Bisquick Strawberry Cobbler a try!

plate of chicken breasts with homemade gravy

Love Chicken Recipes? We have more for you

If you’re looking for a new chicken dish to try, check out our Blackened Chicken Tenders recipe. The simple spices give the chicken a delicious flavor. You may also want to try our Bisquick Chicken Tenders and Baked Chicken Tenderloins.

If you love to pan fry chicken, our Pan seared chicken thighs and Chicken Piccata are the other best options for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cooked chicken breasts good for meal prepping?

Pan-seared chicken breasts are a great protein for make-ahead meals. They keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months when properly sealed in airtight containers.

Use these perfect seared chicken breasts as the base for making chicken tacos or enchiladas, salads, pot pies, sandwiches, and much more!

How long to pan sear chicken breast?

It will take about 4-5 minutes per side. However, the cook time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts. You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

How will know when my chicken is done? What temperature should it be?

Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165º.

dinner plate of perfect seared chicken breasts, mashed potatoes, green beans and gravy dinner
a skillet of pan seared chicken breasts

Pan Seared Chicken Breasts

These simple, easy pan seared chicken breasts are perfect for dinner any night of the week. Serve with mashed potatoes or rice and fresh green beans for an amazing dinner.
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 3 mins
Cook Time 16 mins
resting time 10 mins
Total Time 29 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 231 kcal

Equipment

  • 11" – 12" skillet with a lid

Ingredients
  

For the Pan Seared Chicken

  • 4 (6 ounces) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided

For the Homemade Chicken Gravy

  • ½ cup low sodium chicken stock
  • 2 teaspoons corn starch
  • 1 tablespoon butter

optional

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (optional)

Instructions
 

Pan-seared chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Let chicken stand at room temperature for 10 minutes.
  • Flatten chicken breasts, using the flat side of a meat tenderizer or a rolling pin, until they are 1" to 1.5" thick. Brush on 1 Tbsp of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  • Heat a large stainless-steel skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 Tbsp of olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat. Place chicken in pan, rounded side down, and cook on medium-high for 4 minutes on each side. Do not move the chicken at all between turning. Turn heat down to low, add a lid to the skillet and let breasts cook for 5 minutes.
  • Check internal temperature of chicken with a thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature is 165º. Remove chicken from pan; let rest on a plate or platter covered with foil while preparing gravy.

Make the pan gravy sauce

  • While the chicken rests, make the gravy: Mix cold chicken broth and cornstarch, and stir until smooth. Add butter to the skillet; once it's melted, add the broth and cornstarch mixture. Bring to a boil, and deglaze the pan by scraping to loosen browned bits.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer for 3 minutes or until thickened. Remove pan from heat. Spoon gravy over chicken breasts before serving.

Notes

Cooked chicken breasts can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1breast | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 81mg | Sodium: 781mg | Potassium: 450mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg
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