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Golden-brown easy chicken recipe with rosemary and lemon slices on white plate

Easy chicken recipes

taketorecipes
Juicy, foolproof easy chicken recipe ready in 30 mins! Perfect for weeknights with simple ingredients & crispy golden results.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 slices
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

The Essentials

  • 680 g 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed and ready to cook
  • Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work great too!
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or avocado oil if you're cooking over higher heat)
  • 3 garlic cloves minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt adjust to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Flavor Boosters (Pick Your Fave!)

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for a smoky kick
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest + juice brightens everything up
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary or 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for added flavor
  • ½ tsp onion powder adds depth

Pro Ingredient Tips

  • Chicken Hack: Pat pieces dry with paper towels for better browning.
  • No Fresh Garlic? Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic as a substitute.
  • Oil Swap: Butter adds richness add after searing to prevent burning.

Instructions
 

Prep Like a Pro (5 minutes)

  • Gently pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this step is essential for achieving a beautifully golden crust!
  • Rub with olive oil, then evenly coat with all seasonings
  • "Massage those flavors in like you're giving the chicken a spa day!"

Cook to Perfection (15-20 minutes)

  • Stovetop Method (for crispy lovers):
  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in skillet over medium-high
  • Sear chicken 5-6 minutes per side until golden (165°F internal temp)
  • Rest 5 minutes before slicing (keeps juices locked in!)

Oven Method (hands-off easy):

  • Preheat to 425°F (220°C)
  • Bake on parchment-lined sheet 18-20 minutes
  • Broil 2 minutes for extra crispiness

Doneness Checks (No Guesswork!)

  • ✓ Meat thermometer reads 165°F at thickest part
  • ✓ Juices run clear when pierced
  • ✓ Meat springs back when pressed gently

Pro Timing Tips:

  • Thin cutlets? Reduce time by 5 minutes
  • Bone-in pieces? Add 8-10 minutes
  • "Remember: carryover cooking adds 5°F while resting!"

Notes

For extra-crispy skin, pat chicken dry before seasoning and don’t overcrowd the pan!
Keyword Easy chicken recipe