This Skillet to Oven Chicken Recipe is Perfect Every Time
This Perfect Skillet-to-Oven Chicken Breast is my go-to method for cooking chicken. It’s a simple and versatile technique that allows me to serve a great dinner with little effort. When chicken breasts are quickly seared in a over medium-high heat and then finished in the oven they come out juicy and full of flavor every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Some nights I may season the chicken with a little lemon pepper and slice it for a big salad. Other times I use taco seasoning and shred it for tacos or bowls. This is a reliable recipe that makes weeknight dinners easy and casual entertaining a breeze.
Why This Cooking Method Works
This skillet-to-oven technique combines the best of both worlds.
- Searing the chicken first develops a golden crust and adds depth before the chicken ever goes into the oven.
- Cooking the chicken covered in the oven prevents it from drying out and allows the heat to circulate evenly.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat every time.
One Simple Technique, So Many Uses
This is where the method really shines. Once cooked, the chicken can be used in so many different ways:
- Tacos or taco bowls: Season with taco seasoning, then shred the chicken after cooking for easy weeknight tacos.
- Salads: Slice the chicken and serve it warm or cold over a big green salad for a simple lunch or dinner.
- Grain bowls: Chop the chicken and serve it with farro or brown rice, roasted vegetables, some grated cheese, and a simple dressing or sauce.
- Pasta Dishes: Chop the chicken and toss it with pasta and your favorite sauce (Alfredo, Marinara, or Pesto).
- Classic dinner plates: Serve the chicken sliced alongside Roasted Carrots with Rosemary and a Creamy Potato Bake for an easy, comforting meal.
- Meal prep: Make a batch at the beginning of the week and use it for lunches, wraps, or quick dinners as needed.
Perfect Skillet-to-Oven Chicken Breast
Equipment
- oven safe skillet with lid
Ingredients
- 1¼ lbs chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Creole Seasoning blend, (or your favorite seasoning blend)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉
- Generously season chicken breasts on both sides with the seasoning blend
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium high heat
- When oil is hot, add chicken breast to pan and sear on both sides until brown, approximately 5 minutes per side
- Cover skillet and move to preheated oven. Cook for 20 minutes, until meat thermometer measures at least 165℉
- Carefully remove pan from oven and allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use similarly sized chicken breasts or pound thicker pieces slightly so they cook evenly.
- Seasoning Ideas: Creole, lemon pepper, garlic herb, Italian seasoning, or blackened seasoning all work well with this method.
This Perfect Skillet-to-Oven Chicken Breast is a recipe that will earn a permanent place in your kitchen. You will think that it’s an easy starting point for countless meals, from simple weeknight dinners to relaxed, casual entertaining.
