10+ Pan Seared Chicken Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Cooking chicken can be simple and rewarding, especially when you learn the art of pan searing. This method locks in moisture and enhances flavor, giving you a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Pan seared chicken recipes are quick to prepare and allow you to create a variety of tasty dishes with minimal effort.

Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, you can impress your family and friends with juicy, flavorful chicken. The beauty of pan searing is that it can be adjusted with different seasonings and sides, making each meal unique.

With just a few basic ingredients and some simple techniques, you can elevate your cooking skills and enjoy a delightful meal.

Lemon Herb Pan Seared Chicken

Lemon Herb Pan Seared Chicken is a tasty and simple dish. It brings out fresh flavors with just a few ingredients. You can make it quickly for any meal.

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil or butter. Once the oil shines, add the chicken. Sear for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.

While cooking, mix fresh lemon juice with chopped herbs like parsley or thyme. This will create a flavorful sauce.

Once the chicken is cooked through, pour the lemon herb mix over it. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to absorb that bright flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley or thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Mix lemon juice with chopped herbs.
5. Pour the lemon herb mixture over the chicken and simmer for 2 minutes.

Garlic Butter Chicken Thighs

Garlic butter chicken thighs are delicious and easy to make. The rich flavors of garlic and butter enhance the juicy chicken, making it a family favorite.

To start, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Adding olive oil will help achieve a nice sear on the chicken.

Place the chicken thighs in the pan and cook undisturbed until they turn a deep golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.

Next, remove the chicken and prepare the garlic butter.

Melt butter in the same pan, then add minced garlic. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Return the chicken to the pan to coat it in the garlic butter. Cook until the thighs reach an internal temperature of 175°F (about 80°C).

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add olive oil to the skillet.
3. Place chicken thighs in the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. Melt butter in the skillet.
6. Add minced garlic and stir.
7. Return chicken to pan and cook until reaching 175°F (80°C).

Honey Mustard Chicken Skillet

Making a honey mustard chicken skillet is quick and delicious. You can use skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Both options work well, but thighs provide a juicier bite.

To start, you’ll sauté the chicken until it’s golden brown. This adds great flavor.

Then, mix honey and Dijon mustard to create a tasty sauce. The combination gives a perfect sweet and tangy taste.

Add some chopped onions and garlic to enhance the flavors. You can even sprinkle in fresh rosemary for a burst of freshness.

The sauce will coat the chicken beautifully while it cooks through.

This meal is simple yet special enough to impress. Enjoy it with a side of veggies or rice for a complete dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
2. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown.
3. Mix honey and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
4. Add onions and garlic to the skillet; cook until soft.
5. Pour honey mustard mixture over the chicken; cook until chicken is done.

4) Brown Sugar Balsamic Chicken

Brown Sugar Balsamic Chicken is a delicious dish that balances sweet and tangy flavors. This meal is simple to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

To start, you will want to simmer balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, water, pepper, and salt in a small pot. This mixture creates a rich glaze that enhances the chicken’s flavor.

Once the sauce thickens, you are ready to cook the chicken.

You can pan-sear the chicken on medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

As the chicken cooks, you can brush it with the prepared glaze. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful finish.

Serve your Brown Sugar Balsamic Chicken with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small pot, mix balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, water, pepper, and salt.
2. Bring to a slow simmer until thickened.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side.
5. Brush chicken with the balsamic glaze while cooking.

5) Pan Seared Chicken with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Pan-seared chicken with creamy mushroom sauce is a delicious dish that’s easy to make. You will love how the juicy chicken meets a rich, buttery sauce. It’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.

To start, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper. Dredge them lightly in flour for a nice crisp.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Next, prepare the creamy mushroom sauce.

In the same skillet, add sliced mushrooms and shallots. Stir for about 5 minutes until they’re brown.

Pour in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.

Add the chicken back to the skillet and coat it in the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 4 oz each)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (divided use)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil (divided use)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 shallot (sliced)
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper; dredge in flour.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
4. Remove chicken and keep warm.
5. In the same skillet, cook mushrooms and shallots for 5 minutes.
6. Add heavy cream, salt, and pepper; simmer until thickened.
7. Return chicken to skillet, coating in sauce, and heat through.

6) Spicy Paprika Lime Chicken Breasts

Spicy Paprika Lime Chicken Breasts are a tasty option for a quick dinner. The combination of lime juice and paprika gives the chicken a zesty flavor that brightens up any meal.

To start, you will need skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Marinate them in a mix of lime juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of olive oil. This simple marinade brings out the best flavors.

Once marinated, heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).

Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

You can serve this chicken with rice or a fresh salad. It’s a delightful dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lime juice, paprika, garlic powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
4. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side.
5. Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve and enjoy!

7) Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet

Cilantro Lime Chicken Skillet is a tasty and quick dish. It combines juicy chicken breasts with a zesty sauce made from lime juice and fresh cilantro. This recipe is great for busy weeknights.

Start by heating some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it until it’s nicely browned on both sides.

After that, remove the chicken and keep it warm.

In the same skillet, add chicken broth, lime juice, diced onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes. Bring it to a simmer, and then return the chicken to the pan until it’s cooked through.

This dish pairs well with rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 onion, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes until browned.
4. Remove chicken and keep warm.
5. Add chicken broth, lime juice, onion, cilantro, and red pepper flakes to the skillet.
6. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes.
7. Return chicken to the skillet until cooked through (165°F or 74°C).

8) Pan Seared Chicken with Tomato Basil Sauce

This pan seared chicken with tomato basil sauce is a delicious and easy meal to make. You will enjoy the juicy chicken paired with fresh flavors from tomatoes and basil.

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove the chicken and set aside while you prepare the sauce.

In the same skillet, add chopped tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften.

Stir in fresh basil and a little butter for richness.

Return the chicken to the skillet to warm with the sauce. Spoon the tasty mixture over the chicken before serving. This dish pairs well with rice or pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side.
4. Remove chicken and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add tomatoes and garlic. Cook until soft.
6. Stir in basil and butter.
7. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over it, and serve.

9) Ginger Soy Glazed Chicken

Ginger soy glazed chicken is a flavorful dish you can easily prepare. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and honey creates a sweet and savory glaze that enhances the chicken perfectly.

Start by whisking together hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.

Coat each chicken piece in the glaze, ensuring it’s well covered. Place the chicken, skin side down, in a sheet pan.

Pour any leftover glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with pepper.

Bring your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast for about 40 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear.

This dish is great served with rice or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• Chicken pieces (boneless or skin-on)
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Whisk the hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
3. Coat the chicken pieces in the glaze.
4. Place them skin side down in a sheet pan.
5. Pour remaining glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with pepper.
6. Roast for about 40 minutes or until juices run clear.

10) Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skillet

This Rosemary Lemon Chicken Skillet is a flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. The combination of lemon and rosemary gives the chicken a fresh taste.

To start, you will season chicken thighs with a mix of salt, pepper, and rosemary. You can let them marinate for extra flavor if you have time.

In a skillet, heat oil and add your seasoned chicken. Cook until golden brown on both sides.

Next, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken as it cooks. This adds brightness to the dish.

Finally, serve the chicken with your favorite side dish. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until each side is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
4. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken while it’s cooking.
5. Serve with your choice of sides.