Simple, juicy, and versatile, this pan-seared chicken breast is the perfect carnivore-friendly dish for meal prep or a quick dinner. By searing on the stovetop and finishing in the oven, this recipe delivers golden-brown crusts and tender, evenly cooked meat.
Pair it with a rich sauce or enjoy it on its own for a high-protein meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Perfectly Cooked Pan-Seared Chicken Breast
- Yield: 2 servings
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (see note for portion sizes)
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon tallow or another heat-tolerant fat, for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. While the pan heats, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt.
- Add the tallow to the hot skillet, swirling to coat the pan, and place the chicken breasts presentation-side down (smooth side facing up). Sear the chicken undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and immediately transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve as desired or store for later use in meal prep.
Tips for the Best Pan-Seared Chicken Breast
- Even Cooking: Searing the chicken first locks in juices, while finishing in the oven ensures even cooking throughout.
- Customizable Flavor: While salt keeps it simple, pairing this dish with sauces like Hollandaise or Blue Cheese Cream Sauce adds richness and variety.
- Meal Prep: Double or triple the recipe and store cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Perfect for salads, wraps, or quick reheated dinners.
Why Chicken Breast Works for the Carnivore Diet
Chicken breast is a lean source of high-quality protein that fits well into a carnivore lifestyle. For balance, it’s best paired with fatty sides or sauces to complement its leanness. This recipe keeps the focus on simplicity, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result that’s perfect as a standalone entrée or as part of a larger meal.
Whether served with a side of bone broth or incorporated into a carnivore chicken salad, this dish is a versatile staple that’s sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Pan-Seared Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (see note for portion sizes)
- Kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon tallow or another heat-tolerant fat for the pan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. While the pan heats, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt.
- Add the tallow to the hot skillet, swirling to coat the pan, and place the chicken breasts presentation-side down (smooth side facing up). Sear the chicken undisturbed for 6 to 8 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the chicken breasts and immediately transfer the pan to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and a meat thermometer reads 165°F when inserted into the thickest part.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and serve as desired or store for later use in meal prep.
Read Next:
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.