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How to cook the perfect Pan Fried Chicken Breasts, with Pan Sauce & Sautéed Spinach

An easy and delicious meal that will make you feel like you are eating in an expensive fine dining restaurant. And it's relatively healthy.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Al La Carte, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Healthy, Mediterranean
Keyword: Easy Chicken Breast Recipe, Healthy dishes, How long to bake chicken breasts, How to cook the perfect pan fried chicken breasts, How to make a pan sauce, How to make perfect pan fried chicken breasts, How to saute Spinach
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Resting Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Calories: 511kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large stainless steel deep sauce pan I use All Clad.

Ingredients

FOR THE CHICKEN BREASTS:

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts - 4 half breasts skin on. (Optional: Boneless chicken breasts)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons truffle salt can substitute kosher or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or clarified butter
  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or any high smoke point oil that you have)

FOR THE PAN SAUCE:

  • Reserve pan fat about 1 tablespoons
  • 2 tablespoons shallots finely minced
  • 1 ounce white wine vinegar
  • 1 ounce Prosecco or white wine
  • 4 ounces chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon capers rinsed (can add up to 2 tablespoons capers)
  • 1/2 ounce cold butter cut into several chunks
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

FOR THE SAUTEED SPINACH:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic sliced
  • 10 ounces baby organic spinach
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

PREHEAT OVEN 375F DEGREES

    SEASON AND COOK CHICKEN BREASTS:

    • Season the chicken breasts with the salt and pepper
      2 pounds chicken breasts, 1 1/2 teaspoons truffle salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • In a large deep sauté pan, add the ghee and avocado oil. Use medium to medium high heat to heat the oil until you see ripples in the oil.
      1 tablespoon ghee, 3 tablespoons avocado oil
    • Add the chicken breasts, skin side down.
      Note: Adjust the heat down to medium if necessary. You do not want the oil to be smoking nor do you want the heat too low.
      2 pounds chicken breasts, 1 1/2 teaspoons truffle salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • Cook the skin side down until golden brown and the skin is crispy. The breasts are ready to flip when they are no longer sticking to the pan.
    • Flip the breasts and continue cooking until golden brown.
    • Remove the breasts to a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.Turn off the stove.
      Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature by inserting it into the thickest part of the breasts. If the breast temperature is between 155F to 165F it is done.
      If less than 155F, place in a 375F degree preheated oven for 4 to 5 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 155F to 165F.
      Note: The breasts will continue to cook while resting. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the fat/oil in the pan.

    MAKE THE SAUCE WHILE THE CHICKEN IS COOKING IN OVEN OR RESTING.

    • In the reserved pan fat and brown bits, add the shallots. Turn on the stove to medium. Saute 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
      Note: Do not brown the shallots.
      Reserve pan fat, 2 tablespoons shallots
    • Add in the vinegar and Prosecco. Stir scraping any brown bits incorporating into the sauce. Cook until reduced to almost dry (au sec).
      1 ounce white wine vinegar, 1 ounce Prosecco
    • Add in the chicken stock. Cook until reduced to half, about 2 to 3 minutes.
      4 ounces chicken stock
    • Add in the capers. Stir.
      1 tablespoon capers
    • Turn off the stove or reduce the heat to low. Whisk or stir in the butter 1 to 2 chunks at a time. Stir each time until melted. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
      Note: To test the texture of the sauce, use a back of a metal or wooden spoon. Run finger down the middle and if the sauce stays separated on the back of the spoon, it is ready.
      1/2 ounce cold butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    COOK THE SPINACH:

    • In a large deep sauce pan, add the extra virgin olive oil and garlic. Turn on the heat to medium or medium low. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir and cook the garlic until softened - 1 to 2 minutes.
      Note: don't brown the garlic as it changes the flavor of the spinach.
      2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves garlic
    • Add in the spinach. Turn up the heat to high. Keep mixing the spinach to allow it to wilt quickly. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Once the spinach is wilted and beautiful bright green, turn off the heat. It's ready.
      10 ounces baby organic spinach, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

    Serve the chicken breasts on a layer of sautéed spinach and drizzle the sauce over the breasts. Enjoy.

      Video

      Notes

      Tutorial Video Available for How to cook the perfect pan fried chicken breasts with pan sauce & sautéed spinach.
      Nutritional information will vary depending on actual serving size.
       

      Nutrition

      Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 51g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 156mg | Sodium: 1322mg | Potassium: 1299mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 6847IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 3mg