Looking for a way to make juicy chicken right at home? Pan fried chicken breast cooked in a hot skillet gives you a deliciously crispy outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside. It’s an easy, quick way to fry chicken that’s perfect for any weeknight meal.
I usually make this dish on busy evenings when I need a quick meal that still feels special. The way the chicken crisps up just right, while staying tender inside, made me fall in love with the method. I always recommend it because it’s easy, fast, and gives you a delicious dinner with no fuss.
Is Chicken Breast the Best Option
Chicken breast is a popular choice because it cooks fast and is lean. However, it can dry out easily if not cooked carefully. Using chicken thighs or drumsticks can add more flavor and keep them juicier longer.
Skillet or Pan
A heavy skillet or frying pan works best for even cooking and crispiness. Cast-iron pans are especially good because they hold heat well. Non-stick pans are easier to clean but may not give the same crispy crust.
Easy Chicken Recipe for Dinner
This pan fried chicken recipe is simple and uses basic ingredients you likely have at home. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Serve it with Italian green bean salad, kale and parmesan salad or your baked fried pickles for a complete meal.
Your Easy-Peasy Guide to Pan Fried Chicken
Sizzle up tender, flavorful chicken with a quick stir-fry or pan-fry method. This guide shows you how to get a perfect chicken dish in just a few simple steps.
Kitchen Must-Haves
- Skillet: Essential for cooking the chicken and vegetables evenly with a nice sear and flavor.
Grab these Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the chicken.
- Garlic Cloves: Provide aromatic warmth and enhance the dish’s savory notes.
- Soy Sauce: Brings umami richness and a salty kick to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist while adding savory depth to the pan sauce.
- Xanthan Gum: Thickens the sauce gently, giving it a smooth, glossy finish.
- Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Pepper: Add colorful crunch and a sweet, fresh flavor to the stir-fry.
- Broccoli: Offers a crisp texture and earthy flavor.
- Green Onions: Freshen the dish with a mild onion flavor and bright color.
- Sesame Seeds: Add a nutty crunch and toasty aroma as a finishing touch.
- Sesame Oil: Add a rich, nutty flavor that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Step-by-Step Procedure to Make Pan-Fried Chicken Breasts
First: Get Ingredients Ready
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and slice all the vegetables. Chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the stems into small cubes for even cooking.
Second: Sauté Chicken and Aromatics
Heat sesame oil in a skillet until shimmering. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they turn golden and fragrant. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
Third: Add Flavor and Sauce
Season the chicken with salt and pepper once it’s halfway cooked. Pour in soy sauce, broth, and sprinkle xanthan gum to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes or until the chicken is nicely browned and the sauce thickens to your liking.
Fourth: Toss in Vegetables and Finish
Add the colorful bell peppers first and stir them into the chicken mixture. Next, add the broccoli and cook just until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh crunch and bright flavor.
Handy Tips for Tasty Wins:
- Use room temperature chicken: Let your chicken sit out for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy inside without drying out.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking: Make sure to thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy, golden crust when frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken pieces in batches if needed, giving each piece enough space. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the chicken from getting that perfect crispiness.
- Use the right oil and heat: Choose oils with a high smoke point like avocado or canola oil. Heat the pan medium-high to get a nice sear without burning the chicken.
Your Questions, My Answers
What are the Pairings to Try with Pan Fried Chicken?
Pan-fried chicken pairs wonderfully with fried pickles in air fryer, fried rice from cauliflower, or sauteed kale with garlic. You can also serve it alongside dipping sauces like honey mustard or garlic aioli for extra flavor. Light, crisp wines or sparkling water with lemon make great beverage choices.
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. It’s best to refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume it within 3 to 4 days. Always cool the chicken completely before sealing and refrigerating.
How to Freeze Chicken Breast Recipe?
Allow the cooked chicken breasts to cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cooked chicken can last up to 3 months; thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
More Stress-Free Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re looking to keep meals simple and delicious, try our garlic mashed cauliflower recipe; it’s a creamy alternative to potatoes. For a calming drink, our homemade lavender-infused tea offers a soothing floral flavor that’s perfect anytime.
If you love snacks with a twist, homemade dried raspberry chips are crunchy, naturally sweet, and easy to make. These stress-free recipes are perfect for busy days when you want good food without the fuss. Give them a try and enjoy wholesome flavors with minimal effort.
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Pan Fried Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 Pieces Chicken Breasts sliced
- 1 Piece Onion chopped
- 3 Pieces Garlic Cloves minced
- ¼ Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth
- ½ teaspoon Xanthan Gum
- 1 Piece Red Bell Pepper sliced
- 1 Piece Green Bell Pepper sliced
- 1 Piece Yellow Bell Pepper sliced
- ½ Head Broccoli cut into florets
- ¼ Bunch Green Onions sliced
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds for garnish
- Sesame Oil drizzle
Video
Instructions
- Gather and prep all ingredients by cutting chicken and vegetables, and chopping broccoli into small florets and diced stems for even cooking.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet, add onion and garlic, and cook until golden and fragrant; add chicken and stir-fry for about 10 minutes until browned.
- Season with salt and pepper, pour in soy sauce and broth, sprinkle xanthan gum, and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add bell peppers first, then broccoli, cooking until just tender but crisp; top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken: Let your chicken sit out for about 20 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly and stay juicy inside without drying out.
- Pat chicken dry before cooking: Make sure to thoroughly dry the chicken with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a crispy, golden crust when frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the chicken pieces in batches if needed, giving each piece enough space. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents the chicken from getting that perfect crispiness.
- Use the right oil and heat: Choose oils with a high smoke point like avocado or canola oil. Heat the pan medium-high to get a nice sear without burning the chicken.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
other chicken recipe options
Explore other chicken recipe options when you want something different but still easy to make. These dishes give you more variety while keeping meals simple and satisfying.
