Quick and Easy Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Recipe: Juicy, Flavorful & Ready in 25 Minutes
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a kitchen staple — lean, versatile, and endlessly adaptable. But let’s be honest: they can easily turn dry or bland if not cooked properly. That’s where this quick and easy boneless skinless chicken breast recipe comes in.
It’s a foolproof, flavorful method for turning simple chicken into a weeknight dinner star — no marinade or long prep required.
With just a handful of pantry ingredients and a skillet, you’ll have perfectly juicy chicken with a golden sear, ready in under 30 minutes.
Serve it with roasted veggies, over a salad, or sliced into pasta — this chicken does it all. Best of all? You can make it any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Fast: Ready in 25 minutes or less
- ✅ Healthy: High-protein, low-carb, and naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Flavor-packed: Seasoned and seared for max flavor
- ✅ One-pan cleanup: Cook everything in a single skillet
- ✅ Versatile: Serve it in bowls, wraps, salads, or pasta
Ingredients
This simple spice mix gives the chicken great flavor without overpowering it. Feel free to tweak based on your taste or what’s in your pantry.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 to 1.5 lbs total)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or lemon juice for finishing
Optional Add-Ins
- Fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, or rosemary)
- A splash of chicken broth or white wine (for pan sauce)
- Red pepper flakes (for heat)
How to Make Juicy Chicken Breasts (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Pound and Pat Dry
To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ¾ to 1 inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Then pat them dry with paper towels — this helps them sear, not steam.
Step 2: Season Generously
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning blend evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Step 3: Heat the Skillet
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes, until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 5–6 minutes on the other side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
🔥 Tip: If your chicken is browning too quickly but not cooked through, reduce the heat and cover for the last 2–3 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this keeps the juices inside.
For extra flavor, top with a pat of butter or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This quick chicken goes with just about anything! Here are a few serving ideas:
- With roasted veggies and quinoa or rice
- Sliced into a salad with avocado, tomato, and balsamic vinaigrette
- Over pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs
- In a sandwich or wrap with hummus and greens
- With mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a comfort classic
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the pounding: This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Dry chicken = better sear: Moisture on the surface prevents browning.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken is perfectly done at 165°F.
- Let it rest: Slicing too soon lets the juices run out.
Variations to Try
This recipe is a great base. Try these simple twists for a different flavor each time:
🍋 Lemon Herb Chicken
Add lemon zest to the seasoning mix and finish with chopped fresh thyme and parsley.
🌶️ Spicy Cajun Chicken
Swap the spice blend for Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
🍯 Honey Garlic Glaze
In the final minute of cooking, add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 minced garlic clove to the pan for a sticky-sweet finish.
🧀 Mozzarella & Tomato Topping
Top finished chicken with sliced tomato and mozzarella, then broil for 2–3 minutes until melted. Garnish with basil.
Meal Prep and Storage
This chicken is a meal prep superstar! Make a batch and use it throughout the week.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months
- To reheat: Microwave gently or warm in a skillet with a splash of broth to prevent drying
Use in sandwiches, grain bowls, tacos, or chopped into soups and casseroles.
Final Thoughts
This quick and easy boneless skinless chicken breast recipe proves that fast can still mean flavorful. It’s juicy, satisfying, and endlessly versatile — exactly what you need on busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.
No marinades. No fancy techniques. Just everyday ingredients and simple, effective steps that get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
Once you try this method, it just might become your go-to way to cook chicken — and the perfect base for dozens of delicious meals.
