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Pan Seared Chicken Breast (So Juicy) Recipe

4.8 from 128 reviews

This Pan Seared Chicken Breast recipe delivers perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken with a savory garlic, shallot, and white wine sauce. The chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection on the stovetop and finished with a rich, herb-infused butter sauce that enhances every bite. Ideal for a quick yet elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 8-oz Boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp Sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1 medium Shallot (finely diced)
  • 1/2 cup White cooking wine
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (cut into 1 tbsp pats)
  • 1/2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1/2 tbsp Fresh thyme (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper evenly.
  2. Pan sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the pan and sauté for 4 to 8 minutes per side, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice browned crust. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; remove the chicken once it reaches 165°F (74°C) or remove around 162°F (72°C) and let rest to reach final temperature.
  3. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover with foil to keep warm while preparing the sauce.
  4. Sauté garlic and shallots: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add the minced garlic and diced shallot, sautéing for 2 to 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  5. Deglaze the pan: Pour in the white cooking wine and chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the liquid has reduced by half, about 7 to 8 minutes.
  6. Finish the sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the unsalted butter pieces, chopped parsley, and chopped thyme until the butter melts completely, forming a rich, herb-infused sauce.
  7. Serve: Spoon the sauce over the rested chicken breasts and serve immediately for a juicy, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are patted dry to achieve a great sear without steaming.
  • Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken to avoid dryness.
  • Allow chicken to rest under foil before serving to retain juiciness.
  • White cooking wine can be substituted with dry white wine or extra chicken broth if preferred.
  • Fresh herbs enhance the sauce, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantities if necessary.

Keywords: pan seared chicken breast, garlic shallot sauce, easy chicken recipe, juicy chicken breast, stovetop chicken