Chicken breast is one of the most versatile, lean, and quick proteins you can cook at home. Whether you’re preparing a healthy dinner or a quick weekday meal, this juicy pan-seared chicken breast with a light butter sauce is a go-to recipe that delivers flavor without complexity.
This version is inspired by a simple technique: seasoning the chicken, searing it for a golden crust, and finishing with a quick pan sauce for extra richness.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Uses pantry-friendly ingredients
- Crispy outside, juicy inside
- Flexible: skip sauce or customize seasoning
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tsp paprika
- ยฝ tsp garlic powder
- ยฝ tsp onion powder
- ยผ tsp cumin (optional)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1โ2 tbsp flour (for light crust)
- 1โ2 tbsp butter or oil

For the Sauce
- โ cup chicken stock or white wine
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create thinner pieces. This ensures even cooking and keeps the meat juicy.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a bowl, combine:
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cumin
- Salt & pepper
- Flour
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Lightly coat each piece with the seasoning mix. This creates a thin crust when cooked.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
- Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat
- Cook chicken for 2โ3 minutes per side until golden
The golden crust is a key indicator of doneness and flavor.
Step 5: Let it Rest
Remove chicken and let it rest for 3โ5 minutes to retain juices.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
- Add stock or wine to the same pan
- Scrape the flavorful bits from the bottom
- Simmer for 1โ2 minutes
- Stir in butter
This quick pan sauce enhances flavor using leftover seasoning from the pan.
Step 7: Serve
Pour sauce over chicken and garnish with parsley. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or salad.
๐ฅ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on baked chicken breast data:
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Protein: ~45โ46 g
- Fat: ~7 g
- Carbohydrates: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
Chicken breast is high in protein and low in fat, making it ideal for healthy diets.
๐ก Tips for Perfect Chicken Breast
- Donโt overcook โ it becomes dry quickly
- Resting is essential for juicy texture
- Use medium-high heat for a good crust
- Thin slices cook more evenly
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Ideas
- Pasta or mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter rice
- Steamed vegetables
- Fresh salad
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Main Ingredient | Chicken breast (boneless, skinless) |
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 2 pieces |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | ยฝ tsp |
| Onion powder | ยฝ tsp |
| Cumin (optional) | ยผ tsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
| Flour | 1โ2 tbsp |
| Butter/Oil | 1โ2 tbsp |
| Chicken stock/Wine | โ cup |
| Butter (for sauce) | 2 tbsp |
| Parsley (optional) | For garnish |
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Slice chicken into thinner pieces |
| 2 | Mix spices + flour |
| 3 | Coat chicken evenly |
| 4 | Sear in butter (2โ3 min each side) |
| 5 | Rest chicken |
| 6 | Make sauce with stock + butter |
| 7 | Serve with sauce |
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~280 kcal |
| Protein | ~45 g |
| Fat | ~7 g |
| Carbs | ~4 g |
| Sodium | ~400 mg |
Read Also: Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe

