Chicken Breast Recipe – Simple, Juicy, and Great for Any Meal

Chicken breast is one of the easiest and most popular things to cook at home.

It’s healthy, low in fat, and can be turned into a tasty meal with just a few steps.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a quick lunch, or trying to eat better, this chicken breast recipe will help you get it done without stress.

The best part is that it doesn’t take a lot of time.

You don’t need fancy kitchen tools or hard-to-find ingredients.

Everything used in this recipe is easy to get, and you might already have it in your kitchen.

The steps are simple, so even if you’re just learning to cook, you can make juicy, flavorful chicken with no trouble.

Once you learn this recipe, you can use it in so many meals.

Serve it with rice, vegetables, salad, or pasta. You can even slice it for sandwiches and wraps.

Let’s get started by looking at what you need.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Juice of ½ lemon (optional)

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Flatten the Chicken

Put the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or inside a zip-top bag.

Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a cup to gently pound the chicken until it’s even in thickness.

This helps it cook faster and more evenly.

If you don’t flatten it, the thick part might stay raw while the thin part gets dry.

Flattening also makes the chicken more tender.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano.

Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the chicken breasts.

If you like a little extra flavor, squeeze some lemon juice on top too.

These seasonings give your chicken a nice taste without needing a marinade or long prep time.

Step 3: Heat the Pan

Put a large skillet or non-stick frying pan on the stove.

Turn the heat to medium and add the olive oil. Let it heat up for about a minute.

When the oil starts to shine and looks a little wavy, it’s ready.

A hot pan helps the outside of the chicken get golden and a little crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the hot pan. Let them cook without moving them for about 5 to 6 minutes.

Then flip the chicken over and cook the other side for another 5 to 6 minutes.

Don’t press or poke the chicken while it’s cooking. You want it to stay juicy.

The chicken is ready when it’s no longer pink in the middle.

If you have a food thermometer, the inside should be 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Let the Chicken Rest

After the chicken is done, take it out of the pan and put it on a plate or cutting board.

Let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting it.

Resting helps the juices stay inside the meat instead of running out.

This is the secret to keeping your chicken moist and flavorful.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Now it’s time to eat! Slice the chicken into strips or small pieces.

You can serve it with rice, pasta, salad, roasted veggies, or even mashed potatoes.

This chicken also works great in sandwiches or wraps.

If you made extra, save it in the fridge and use it for quick meals during the week.

Tips to Make It Even Better

If you want to change up the flavor, try using other seasonings.

Swap oregano for thyme or rosemary. Add a pinch of chili powder for some heat.

You can also marinate the chicken before cooking it.

Just mix olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs, then let the chicken sit in the mixture for 30 minutes in the fridge before cooking.

Don’t want to cook on the stove? You can also bake or grill the chicken.

To bake it, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, and bake for about 20–25 minutes.

To grill, cook the chicken over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side.

Cutting the chicken into small pieces before cooking makes it cook faster.

It’s also a good idea if you’re using the chicken in a stir-fry, salad, or pasta dish.

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken breast doesn’t have to be hard.

This recipe shows that with just a few basic steps, you can make something tasty and healthy.

It’s perfect for anyone learning to cook or just looking for a quick dinner idea.

The great thing about chicken breast is how flexible it is.

You can eat it hot or cold, plain or with sauce, in a wrap or on a plate.

Once you get the hang of this easy recipe, you’ll find lots of ways to use it in your meals.

So grab your skillet, season your chicken, and start cooking.

With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious, juicy chicken breast ready in no time—perfect for any day of the week.