Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Pan Fried Chicken that results in crispy, golden-brown chicken with juicy, tender meat inside. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or any time you’re craving a comforting dish!
Easy Pan Fried Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Dredge the Chicken
- Place the flour in a shallow dish. Lightly dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Heat the Pan
- Heat the olive oil (and butter, if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking before adding the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the outside while cooking the inside.
- Rest the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices in and the chicken moist.
- Serve
- Slice and serve the chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a salad.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the chicken with a side of crispy roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, or a light vegetable stir-fry.
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and Variations
- For Extra Crispy Chicken: Add a pinch of baking powder to the flour mixture to make the coating lighter and crispier.
- Add Spice: For a spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- Use Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer more moist, flavorful meat.