How to Sear Chicken

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 3

Cook Time: 12

Step-by-step directions and helpful tips on how to sear chicken so it comes out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly browned on both sides.

5 from 18 votes

Place the chicken breasts onto a flat surface and pat dry with paper towels.
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, and your choice of additional seasonings, if using, just on one side.
In a large cast-iron or stainless steel pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken pieces, salt-only side down, in the pan and cook undisturbed for 6 minutes or until the meat lifts easily from the pan and the surface is golden brown.
Using a spatula, carefully flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
Turn off the heat, remove the chicken from the pan onto a plate, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.