Description

This easy chicken recipe is a simple, juicy, all-purpose weeknight dinner made with boneless chicken breasts or thighs, pantry seasonings, and a quick skillet method. Serve it with rice, pasta, vegetables, salad, potatoes, wraps, or bowls.

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon lemon juice or 2 tablespoons chicken broth

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional

Lemon wedges, optional for serving

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Instructions

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels so the seasonings stick and the chicken browns well.

2. Add the chicken to a large bowl, then drizzle it with olive oil.

3. Sprinkle the salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the chicken.

4. Rub the seasoning blend over all sides of the chicken until every piece looks evenly coated.

5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

6. Place the chicken in the hot skillet in a single layer.

7. Cook chicken breasts for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or cook boneless chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

8. Add lemon juice or chicken broth during the final minute of cooking and scrape the browned bits from the pan to create a quick pan sauce.

9. Check the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F.

10. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

11. Garnish with parsley and serve with rice, pasta, potatoes, salad, vegetables, wraps, or bowls.

Notes

Choose chicken pieces with similar thickness so they cook evenly.

If chicken breasts look thick on one side, pound them lightly before seasoning.

Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed.

For a creamy version, add 1/3 cup heavy cream after the chicken cooks and simmer for 1 to 2 minutes.

For a BBQ version, brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

For meal prep, slice the cooled chicken and store it in airtight containers with rice, vegetables, or salad.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken portion
Calories: 255
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 625mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 120mg