Classic Pan-Fried
Chicken Breast

Servings: 2 

Prep: 20 min

Cook: 15 min

Total: 35 min

Ingredients

• Avocado oil

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast (same thicknesses)

• 1 tsp Salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ¼ tsp MSG (optional for more umami)

• ½ tsp paprika (smoked if you have it)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp Onion Powder

• ¼ tsp dried thyme or oregano

• Pinch of cayenne (optional, just for subtle warmth)

• 2 Tbsp butter

• 3 or 4 rosemary sprigs

Directions

1. Combine all spices and set aside.

2. Pat the chicken very dry, rub with the spice mix, and let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Heat the avocado oil in a pan over medium to medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts on the first side for 6 minutes (70% cooked through), then turn down the temp a little, add the butter and rosemary, and cook another 6 minutes. Spoon the rosemary-infused butter continuously over the chicken for the last minute (any more than a minute and the chicken will be too salty).

4. Serve the chicken after hitting 160° and letting it rest 10 minutes till it gets to 165° and the juices won't run out! 

Make This Chicken Your Own

The real secret to juicy, perfectly seared chicken breasts isn’t the exact spice blend — it’s the method.

Once you learn how to properly pan-cook chicken breasts, you can swap in almost any seasoning combination you love and still get delicious results every time. The key is using evenly sized chicken breasts, drying them well before cooking, getting a good golden sear, and cooking them gently until just done. The butter basting at the end helps add flavor and keeps the chicken extra juicy, but the herbs and spices are completely customizable.

Here are a few delicious variations I like:

Garlic Herb

A cozy, classic option:

• Garlic powder

• Thyme

• Rosemary

• Black pepper

• Butter baste with smashed garlic cloves

Smoky Paprika

Bold and slightly smoky:

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Brown sugar

• Chili powder

Cajun Style

Perfect if you like a little heat:

• Paprika

• Cayenne

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Oregano

• Thyme

Lemon Pepper

Bright and fresh:

• Lemon pepper seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Extra black pepper

• Finish with fresh lemon juice

Italian-Inspired

Great for pasta, salads, or sandwiches:

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Parmesan

• Black pepper

• Butter baste with oregano or basil

Tex-Mex

Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or wraps:

• Chili powder

• Cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Garlic powder

• Lime juice after cooking

Simple Salt & Pepper

Sometimes the simplest version is the best:

• Kosher salt

• Fresh cracked black pepper

• Butter, garlic, and herbs during basting