Reliable Chicken Dinner (Easy One-Pan Recipe You Can Trust)

When you need a meal that never lets you down, this reliable chicken dinner is the answer. Made in one pan with simple ingredients, it delivers juicy, flavorful chicken you can count on every single time, even on the busiest nights.

Oven baked chicken breasts cooked until golden brown and juicy, seasoned with herbs and pan juices for a reliable and foolproof chicken dinner.

Why This Reliable Chicken Dinner Always Works

This reliable chicken dinner is built around consistency. The method focuses on controlled heat, proper seasoning, and simple timing so the chicken stays tender instead of dry. It’s the kind of recipe you keep coming back to because it works no matter how hectic the day has been. The one-pan approach also means less cleanup and more confidence at dinnertime.

Reliable Chicken Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Fresh parsley optional

Equipment

• Skillet
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes without moving until golden brown.
4. Flip the chicken and pour the chicken broth into the pan around the chicken.
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
7. Spoon pan juices over the chicken, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Keeping the heat moderate and letting the chicken rest before slicing are the keys to making this a reliable chicken dinner every time.

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Ingredients for a Reliable Chicken Dinner

Boneless skinless chicken breasts — 2 large
Olive oil — 1 tablespoon
Butter — 1 tablespoon
Paprika — 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder — ½ teaspoon
Onion powder — ½ teaspoon
Salt — ½ teaspoon
Black pepper — ¼ teaspoon
Chicken broth — ¼ cup
Fresh parsley — optional, for serving

How to Make a Reliable Chicken Dinner

Prepare the chicken.

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they are thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat the pan.

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil and butter. Let the fat heat until melted and lightly sizzling.

Sear the chicken.

Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook without moving for 5–6 minutes. This step creates a golden surface that helps lock in moisture.

Flip and add moisture.

Flip the chicken breasts and pour the chicken broth into the pan around the chicken, not directly on top.

Finish gently.

Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 6–8 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and serve.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon a little of the pan juices over the top and serve warm.

Pro Tips for a Truly Reliable Chicken Dinner

Even thickness is one of the biggest factors in reliable results. Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly. Avoid high heat after flipping, as lower heat prevents the outside from drying out before the inside is done. Always let the chicken rest before slicing—this keeps the juices inside the meat where they belong.

What to Serve with a Reliable Chicken Dinner

This reliable chicken dinner pairs well with simple sides like rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. It also works sliced over salads or tucked into wraps for leftovers the next day.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. This recipe is ideal for meal prep because the chicken stays tender when reheated carefully.

Variations You Can Try

Add Italian seasoning for a herby version or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. You can also add vegetables like zucchini or green beans to the pan to turn this into a full one-pan dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this chicken dinner so reliable?
Because it uses moderate heat, added moisture, and resting time to prevent dry chicken.

Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay naturally juicy.

How do I know the chicken is done?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and stays tender when stored properly.

Conclusion

This reliable chicken dinner is proof that simple methods lead to dependable results. With one pan, a few ingredients, and the right timing, you’ll have a meal you can trust whenever dinner needs to be easy and stress-free.