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Oven-Baked Searing Chicken Breasts

This recipe involves searing chicken breasts in a skillet to develop a golden crust, then finishing them in the oven for tender, juicy meat. The process highlights simple ingredients like chicken, spices, and lemon, resulting in a dish with crispy skin and moist interior. It’s a versatile and reliable method that produces visually appealing, flavorful chicken every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts skinless preferred for leaner option
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lemon lemon fresh for best flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • optional to taste fresh herbs thyme or rosemary

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and have your skillet ready on the stove.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels; this helps them crisp up nicely.
  3. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
  4. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and starts to shimmer, about 2 minutes.
  5. Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet, then carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan, skin-side down if skin-on, or just side down if skinless.
  6. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the edges are golden brown and fragrant, with a slight sizzle in the pan.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
  8. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil to retain juices.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon over the chicken to brighten the flavors, then slice and serve.