Description

This thin sliced chicken breast recipe is perfect for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or grill, this lean protein cooks in minutes and pairs well with salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, and wraps. Enjoy tender, juicy chicken that’s seasoned to perfection and ready in under 20 minutes!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 thinly sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra freshness)

Optional Marinade (for extra flavor & juiciness):

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If your chicken breasts are not already thinly sliced, butterfly them (slice them in half horizontally) and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to ½-inch thickness.

Step 2: Season or Marinate

Season the chicken by rubbing both sides with olive oil and all the dry spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper).
For extra flavor, whisk together the optional marinade ingredients and coat the chicken. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

🔥 Pan-Seared Method (Best for Crispy & Juicy Chicken)
4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
5. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).

🔥 Oven-Baked Method (Best for Meal Prep & Hands-Free Cooking)
6. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
7. Place the chicken on the sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🔥 Grilled Method (Best for Smoky Flavor & Summer BBQs)
8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly grease the grates.
9. Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until grill marks form and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
Serve with salads, pasta, wraps, sandwiches, or roasted veggies.

Notes

Make-Ahead Tip: Marinate chicken the night before for extra tenderness and flavor.
Storage: Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side or in the microwave for 30 seconds.
Freezing Option: Freeze raw seasoned chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 5-12 min (depending on method)
Category: lunch
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 220 kcal
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 30g