When it comes to cooking on busy weeknights, there’s nothing quite like a delicious and easy-to-make pan chicken recipe. With its versatility and speed, pan chicken has become a staple in many households. From classic comfort food dishes to international-inspired flavors, the options are endless. In this article, we’ll explore 20 mouth-watering pan chicken recipes that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re short on time or looking for a quick and easy meal solution, these recipes are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Stay tuned as we dive into our top 20 picks, featuring flavors like garlic butter, lemon herb, spicy honey glaze, creamy mushroom, and many more!
Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and flavorful garlic butter pan-seared chicken recipe. Succulent chicken breasts are smothered in a savory garlic butter sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Add the softened butter to the preheated skillet and let it melt.
4. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
5. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a plate. Tent with foil to keep warm.
7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer the garlic butter sauce for an additional 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
8. Serve the pan-seared chicken breasts with the garlic butter sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Lemon Herb Skillet Chicken
Brighten up your dinner routine with this citrusy and flavorful skillet chicken recipe. Lemon zest and fresh herbs add a burst of freshness to tender chicken breasts, all cooked to perfection in one pan.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, zested and juiced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
3. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and brush with the lemon mixture.
4. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken
This sweet and spicy glazed chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes creates a rich and flavorful glaze that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and brush with olive oil.
4. Brush the honey glaze all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re fully coated.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is caramelized.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Creamy Mushroom Pan Chicken
Elevate your dinner game with this rich and savory Creamy Mushroom Pan Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a decadent mushroom cream sauce, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove mushrooms from skillet; set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add flour; whisk to combine with butter remnants. Cook for 1 minute.
6. Gradually pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously. Bring mixture to a simmer; cook 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Add mustard; stir to combine. Return mushrooms and chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Pan-Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
A flavorful and satisfying main dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe yields juicy chicken and tender vegetables, all in one pan!
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and chopped
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced onion and cook for 5 minutes or until softened.
4. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until browned.
5. Add the garlic, carrots, potatoes, and mixed vegetables to the pan.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Skillet
A flavorful and easy one-pot meal that combines juicy chicken with sweet teriyaki sauce, served with a bed of fluffy rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
– 1 tsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp honey
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the cooked rice and stir to toast, about 2 minutes.
4. Add the teriyaki sauce mixture (teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey, ginger) to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
One-Pan Chicken Alfredo
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish that’s ready in just one pan!
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 8 oz fettuccine pasta
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add mushrooms and garlic; cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring mixture to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes or until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add cooked pasta, chicken, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Toss to combine.
7. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
8. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley (if using). Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Fried Chicken Parmesan
Elevate your comfort food game with this crispy and juicy pan-fried chicken parmesan recipe, topped with melted mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 cup marinara sauce
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg and then coat with breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Heat about 1/4 inch of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry coated chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Transfer fried chicken to a baking dish and spoon marinara sauce over each breast.
6. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes.
Chicken and Broccoli Stir-Fry
This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with protein, vitamins, and fiber. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dinner in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the broccoli and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still crisp.
4. Return the chicken to the pan and stir in the soy sauce.
5. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is coated with the sauce.
6. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pan-Seared Chicken with Garlic Sauce
Elevate your chicken game with this simple yet flavorful recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender and juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and smothered in a rich garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Pour in chicken broth, butter, and Dijon mustard. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
7. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon some garlic sauce over each breast.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mediterranean Style Pan Chicken
Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean with this aromatic and juicy pan chicken recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Add the sliced bell peppers, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with feta cheese (if using). Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Cooked Chicken Fajitas
Get ready for a flavorful and spicy Mexican-inspired dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This pan-cooked chicken fajita recipe is quick, easy, and packed with juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
– 1/2 cup sliced onions
– 1/2 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 small flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the garlic, cumin, and chili powder to the pan; cook for an additional minute.
5. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables and spices.
6. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
8. Assemble fajitas by placing cooked chicken and vegetable mixture onto tortillas and adding desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet and Sour Chicken Skillet
A sweet and tangy twist on classic chicken, this one-pot skillet recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With crispy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a rich sauce, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup sweet and sour sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Add bell peppers, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until veggies are tender, about 5 minutes.
4. Pour in sweet and sour sauce and stir to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Seared Chicken with Lemon Caper Sauce
Elevate your dinner game with this elegant and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 lemons, juiced
– 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.
4. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, lemon juice, garlic, and capers to the skillet. Stir until butter is melted and sauce is smooth.
5. Serve chicken breasts with lemon caper sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Rice
Get ready for a quick and delicious meal with this one-pan wonder! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 cups uncooked white or brown rice
– 3 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
4. Add onion and garlic to the pan; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add rice, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to combine.
6. Add chicken broth and stir to combine.
7. Return chicken to the pan and bring to a simmer.
8. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pan-Fried Chicken with Herbs
Pan-Fried Chicken with Herbs
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful pan-fry recipe that combines juicy chicken breast with a blend of aromatic herbs.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together olive oil, rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder.
3. Dip each chicken breast into the herb mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Place the coated chicken breasts in the preheated pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serve: Hot, garnished with additional rosemary leaves if desired.
Chicken and Asparagus Skillet
Get ready for a flavorful and nutritious one-pan meal! This Chicken and Asparagus Skillet recipe is a quick and easy solution for a weeknight dinner that’s packed with protein, veggies, and flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the asparagus to the skillet and cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
5. Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pan-Seared Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate your chicken game with this flavorful recipe that combines the richness of pan-searing with the tanginess of balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until thickened slightly.
5. Serve the seared chicken breasts with the balsamic glaze spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes
A flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch wedges
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high.
3. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
5. Add the potato wedges to the pan, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic.
6. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Pan-Cooked Chicken with Creamy Dijon Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Pan-cooked chicken breasts are smothered in a rich and tangy creamy Dijon sauce, sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together flour and a pinch of salt.
3. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, coating both sides evenly.
4. Add butter to the preheated pan and swirl until melted. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
5. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
6. In the same pan, add heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve chicken breasts with creamy Dijon sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your weeknights with these 20 delicious pan chicken recipes! From classic comfort food to international flavors, there’s something for everyone. Try Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Chicken or Lemon Herb Skillet Chicken for a quick and flavorful dinner. For a sweet twist, try Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken or Sweet and Sour Chicken Skillet. And don’t forget the creamy sauces – Creamy Mushroom Pan Chicken and One-Pan Chicken Alfredo are must-trys! With these recipes, you’ll never run out of ideas for a busy weeknight dinner.
