Print

Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast

Pioneer Woman Baked Chicken Breast - recipe card
Print Recipe

This is a deliciously simple, juicy baked chicken breast recipe, exactly as made by the Pioneer Woman. The chicken is nestled on a bed of seasoned butter and a hint of onion, then baked to golden-brown perfection, resulting in incredibly tender, flavor-packed meat with a rich, savory pan sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this ensures a good sear and helps the seasonings stick. If the breasts are very thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1-inch thickness for uniform cooking.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides, pressing gently to adhere. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while the oven finishes preheating
  3. Heat a large, oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes until the pan is hot—a drop of water sizzles immediately. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat, then carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, presentation side down. Sear for 3-4 minutes, without moving, until a golden-brown crust forms and the chicken releases easily from the pan. Flip and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes on the second side.
  4. Remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the chicken to a plate; they will not be cooked through at this point—that is fine. Reduce the heat to low and add the butter pieces to the skillet, letting them melt and foam gently. Scatter the sliced onions over the butter and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are just translucent.
  5. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits (fond) from the bottom with a wooden spoon—this is packed with flavor and will enrich the sauce. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the onions and butter sauce.
  6. Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The cooking time depends on the thickness of your breasts; check the temperature starting at 15 minutes.
  7. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven (it will be hot!). Transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes under a loose tent of aluminum foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it stays moist.
  8. While the chicken rests, place the skillet back over medium heat and bring the onion-butter sauce to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly into a glossy pan sauce. If it reduces too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
  9. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, spoon the buttery onions and pan sauce over the chicken breasts. Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or a green salad.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: Wrap each cooked breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Reheating: For best results, reheat in a covered baking dish with a splash of chicken broth at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method keeps the chicken juicier.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pioneer Woman baked chicken breast, baked chicken breast, juicy chicken breast, easy chicken dinner, oven-baked chicken, chicken breast recipe, weeknight chicken, savory chicken, butter-baked chicken, American chicken

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-baked-chicken-breast-recipe/