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Tender Single Chicken Breast Recipe Easy Juicy Chicken Breast Every Time

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A quick and easy recipe for a juicy, tender single chicken breast using a brief brine and gentle pan-searing method that locks in moisture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g), patted dry
  • Kosher salt or sea salt (for brining and seasoning)
  • A pinch of granulated sugar (optional, helps balance brine flavor)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water (for quick brining)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • Fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary sprigs, optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup (240 ml) cold water with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of sugar. Stir to dissolve.
  2. Submerge the chicken breast in the brine and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Remove the chicken from the brine, rinse quickly under cold water, and pat very dry with paper towels.
  4. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Place a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Warm until shimmering but not smoking (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Add minced garlic and fresh herbs to the pan and infuse the oil for about 30 seconds.
  7. Place the chicken breast in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden crust forms.
  8. Flip the chicken breast using tongs or a spatula, reduce heat to medium-low, cover loosely with a lid or foil, and cook for another 6-8 minutes.
  9. Check doneness with a meat thermometer (160°F / 71°C) or by cutting into the thickest part to ensure meat is white and juices run clear.
  10. Transfer the chicken breast to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Just before serving, add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken.

Notes

Do not skip drying the chicken after brining to achieve a crispy golden crust. Use a meat thermometer for best results. If garlic starts to burn, remove it before flipping the chicken. Lower heat and cover the pan if chicken browns too quickly before cooking through.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken breast, juicy chicken, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken breast, tender chicken, pan-seared chicken, single serving chicken

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