Sauteed chicken breast is one of the most versatile proteins you can have in your kitchen. Whether it’s for a quick dinner, a healthy lunch, or even an after-workout snack, this tender and juicy dish never disappoints. With just a few ingredients, you can transform this chicken into a meal that suits any occasion. It’s so easy to meal prep, and you can pair it with vegetables, rice, or pasta for a well-balanced meal. You can even slice it up and add it to a salad or burrito bowl for something fresh and light.
One of the best things about sauteed chicken breast is that it’s quick and fast to make. It’s also the perfect way to experiment with different seasonings to introduce new flavors. A dash of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, or some garlic powder can make all the difference. If you’re in the mood for something bolder, you can even try taco seasoning for a fajita or taco night. The possibilities are endless, making this a go-to recipe that you can use in loads of different ways throughout the week.
What Does Sauteed Chicken Mean?
To make sauteed chicken breast, you fry the chicken quickly in hot fat, typically oil, which gives it a beautiful caramelization on the outside while ensuring it stays perfectly cooked on the inside. The process requires simple equipment like a frying pan or skillet, and a spatula or tongs for easy handling. The best part? You can make this dish in less than 20 minutes, making it a quick and tasty choice for any meal.
How To Cook Chicken Breasts In A Pan
To ensure your chicken breasts turn out juicy and full of flavor without being overcooked, there are a few key steps to follow. In this recipe, I’ll share all my tips and tricks with you.
Step 1:
When preparing chicken, the key to a juicy and tender result starts with how you handle the chicken breasts. First, grab a sharp knife and begin cutting the chicken breasts in half vertically to create thinner cutlets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and faster. If you’ve bought thin-cut chicken breasts, this step might not be necessary. However, if one side of the chicken is still thick after cutting, don’t worry—just use a meat tenderizer to gently pound that section down to a more uniform thickness. This ensures the entire chicken cooks at the same rate, giving you that perfect, moist texture in every bite.
Step 2:
To get the perfect flavor, rub some olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts. This not only helps with cooking but also gives the seasoning a better chance to stick. After that, season the chicken generously with your favorite seasoning mix. Be sure to rub the seasoning into each breast thoroughly so that every piece is coated evenly. This ensures the seasoning is well distributed, making each bite full of flavor.
Step 3:
To cook the chicken perfectly, place the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat and let them cook for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. If you notice that the skillet is getting too hot, turn the heat down to medium-low. This helps prevent the chicken from burning while allowing it to cook all the way through. Remember, take your time and don’t rush it, as this ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy without overcooking.
Step 4:
Once the chicken is browned on both sides, it’s time to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Be careful not to stick the thermometer all the way through, especially if it’s touching the skillet, as this will give you an inaccurate reading. Properly checking the temperature ensures the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly every time
Tips and Tricks
- The easiest way to pound chicken breasts is by placing them in a zip top bag or on a plastic cutting board, then covering them with plastic wrap.
- Use a smooth meat mallet or the back of a small skillet to pound the chicken evenly.
- If your chicken breasts are extra large, you can reduce the number of breasts to two, cut them in half to create 4 portions before pounding.
- Boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe as they are already thin, saving you time by eliminating the need to pound them.
- If you prefer not to cook with wine, you can increase the amount of chicken stock to ½ cup plus 1 tbsp and omit the wine.
- For a lighter version of the recipe, you can substitute heavy cream with half and half. Serve the chicken with white rice or brown rice, which soaks up the luscious lemon cream sauce, and add a side of lemon pepper green beans or a side salad for a complete meal
How To Know When Your Chicken Breasts Are Done
The best way to tell if your chicken breasts are done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and check for an internal temperature of 165°F. Digital meat thermometers are inexpensive and simple to use, making them a great tool for accuracy. It’s important to resist the urge to cut the chicken while it’s still cooking since that could cause you to lose all the delicious juices that keep the chicken moist.
What To Serve With Sautéed Chicken Breasts
When it comes to pairing sautéed chicken breasts with the perfect side dishes, the options are endless! I personally love serving juicy chicken breasts with easy skillet green beans, which are quick and add a nice crunch. If you’re craving something lighter, sautéed zucchini and squash are always a great choice, adding a fresh, vibrant twist to the plate. For a heartier meal, I often go for skillet sweet potatoes or mashed potatoes, which complement the chicken perfectly. Lemon pepper broccoli adds a zesty, refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the chicken. Lately, though, I’ve been really into creamy mushroom and spinach orzo, which not only pairs beautifully with the chicken but is also incredibly filling. If you want something sweet and savory, a side of glazed carrots will round out the meal with a touch of sweetness. Whether you prefer a light or indulgent side, these options are quick, delicious, and satisfy every craving!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 ½ Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half using a sharp knife to create two thinner cutlets. Alternatively, you can simply purchase pre-cut thin-cut chicken breasts for convenience.
- In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful seasoning mix.
- Place the chicken on a cutting board, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, and use your hands to rub the oil in on both sides. Then, generously rub the prepared seasoning onto the front and back of the chicken for maximum flavor.
- Start by heating a large skillet on medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, making sure the heat is just right to avoid burning.
- After both sides are browned, check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Allow it to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.
FAQs
Can you saute Chicken Breast?
You can definitely sauté chicken breast. It’s quick, simple, and results in flavorful, delicious caramelized chicken that works perfectly in a variety of meals and recipes.
Is it Better To Saute Chicken With Butter Or Oil?
When it comes to sautéing chicken, it really comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer using butter because it adds a rich, flavorful taste, but it has a lower smoke point, so it can burn easily if the heat gets too high. On the other hand, I find that oil is a better option for me since it has a higher smoke point, making it less likely to burn during cooking, while still creating a nice, crispy texture for the chicken.
How Long Should I Saute Chicken ?
If you’ve pounded the chicken to about ¼ inch thickness, you can easily sauté it in 20 minutes or less over medium high heat. This will allow the chicken to cook through evenly and get a nice, golden sear without overcooking. Just make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked!
Should I Cover The Pan When Sauteeing Chicken ?
When sautéing chicken, it’s best not to cover the pan. Doing so will trap too much moisture, preventing the chicken from browning properly and leaving you with steamed chicken instead. If you find that the inside of the chicken is not cooking quickly enough, try pounding the chicken to a smaller thickness using a meat mallet, or simply lower the heat to give the inside time to cook before the outside is done.
