Juicy Pan-Seared Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

Let’s talk chicken. Thin sliced chicken breast, to be exact.

If your evenings look anything like mine—school pickup, work emails, and a laundry pile giving you the side-eye—then you’ll love this quick chicken breast recipe. It’s flavorful, fast, and doesn’t require a degree in culinary arts or a pantry full of ingredients you can’t pronounce.

This Juicy Pan-Seared Thin Sliced Chicken Breast is my go-to when I need something light but satisfying. It’s got that golden, pan-seared exterior (hello, crispy edges!) with juicy, seasoned goodness on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just trying to eat a little cleaner, this one’s a win all around.

Why You’ll Love This Thin Sliced Chicken Breast Recipe

• It’s ready in under 30 minutes. No marinating, no fuss—just quick seasoning and pop it in the oven.
• It’s healthy without being boring. We’re keeping it light with olive oil and lemon, but still packing flavor thanks to garlic and paprika.
• It’s ridiculously versatile. Serve it over salads, in wraps, alongside roasted veggies, or with your favorite pasta.

Oh, and cleanup? Basically nonexistent. (Can I get an amen?)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

How to Make Juicy Pan-Seared Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

Step 1: Preheat that oven.
Crank it up to 400°F. You want it hot and ready so the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Slice with care.
Take a sharp knife and gently slice each chicken breast lengthwise from the thickest part to the thinnest. You’re basically butterflying it all the way through to get those perfect thin slices. Bonus? Thinner chicken = faster cooking = dinner sooner.

Step 3: Season like you mean it.
Place your sliced chicken in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Then sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly. Rub it in with your hands or a spoon—whatever gets those flavors locked in.

Step 4: Bake to perfection.
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. No dry chicken here, folks!

Step 5: Slice and serve.
Let it rest a few minutes, then cut into thin strips. Serve immediately or store for weekday lunches and last-minute dinner rescues.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Chicken

• Slicing tip: If the chicken’s too slippery to slice thin, pop it in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up.
• Double the batch. This recipe’s great for meal prep. I often make two pounds and use leftovers for salads and wraps throughout the week.
• Don’t skip the rest. Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps the juices from running out. It’s worth the extra 3 minutes, promise.

My Favorite Way to Serve This

Okay, confession time: I may have started making this just so I could throw it over my go-to Lemon Garlic Quinoa Salad—it’s ridiculously good together. But honestly, this chicken pairs beautifully with anything from roasted sweet potatoes to a creamy avocado pasta.

Also, if you’ve got kids or picky eaters, try it in homemade chicken wraps with a little ranch or honey mustard. Game. Changer.

FAQs About Thin Sliced Chicken Breast

Can I pan sear this instead of baking?
Absolutely! For that crispy outside, heat a little olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each piece for about 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. That gives you delicious pan seared chicken with less wait.

How do I store leftovers?
Let the chicken cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep or tossing into a quick salad.

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Totally. Just adjust the cooking time—they’ll probably be done in 12–15 minutes.

Let’s Recap (While Your Oven’s Still Warm)

This thin sliced chicken breast recipe checks all the boxes: quick, easy, healthy, and crazy flavorful. Whether you’re feeding the fam or just yourself after a long day, this is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

And if you’re on the lookout for more easy chicken breast recipes, check out our fan-favorite One-Pan Creamy Tuscan Chicken or the always crowd-pleasing Honey Garlic Chicken Skillet.

So grab those chicken breasts, preheat that oven, and let’s make weeknight magic happen. 💫

Craving more easy weeknight dinners?
Follow along at MuncherRecipes.com where flavor meets real life. Because good food doesn’t have to be complicated.