Pan-Seared Tender Chicken Breast (Nèn Jiān Jī Xiōng Ròu)

Chinese Pan-Seared Tender Chicken Breast (Nèn Jiān Jī Xiōng Ròu)

A Juicy, Fragrant, and Protein-Rich Chinese Home-Style Dish

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Introduction

Pan-Seared Tender Chicken Breast is a popular home-style Chinese dish that’s both healthy and delicious. It’s loved for its crispy golden surface and juicy, tender inside.

Unlike Western-style chicken breast recipes that often use butter or cream, the Chinese version focuses on light seasoning, natural chicken aroma, and wok-seared flavor. It’s perfect for a quick weekday meal, offering a balance of nutrition and taste.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken breast — 1 large piece (about 250 g / 9 oz)

• Cooking oil — 2 tablespoons

• Green onion — 1 stalk (sliced)

• Ginger — 3 slices

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Marinade:

• Light soy sauce — 1 tablespoon

• Oyster sauce — 1 tablespoon

• Shaoxing wine (or cooking wine) — 1 teaspoon

• Cornstarch — 1 teaspoon

• White pepper — a pinch

• Salt — ¼ teaspoon

• Sesame oil — a few drops

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Sauce (optional, for extra flavor):

• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon honey (or sugar)

• 1 tablespoon water

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Rinse the chicken breast and pat it dry with paper towels.

2. Use the back of a knife or meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to even thickness (about 1.5 cm).

3. Cut shallow slits on the surface for better flavor absorption.

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Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, salt, and sesame oil.

2. Add the chicken breast and rub the marinade evenly on both sides.

3. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Tip: Adding a small amount of cornstarch locks in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy when pan-seared.

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Step 3: Heat the Pan

1. Heat a non-stick pan or wok over medium-low heat.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl to coat evenly.

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Step 4: Pan-Sear the Chicken

1. Place the marinated chicken breast in the pan skin side (or smooth side) down first.

2. Pan-sear slowly for about 3–4 minutes without moving it, until the surface turns golden brown.

3. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes.

4. Add a few slices of ginger and green onion around the pan to enhance aroma.

Tip: Use medium heat — too high will burn the surface before the inside is cooked.

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Step 5: Add Sauce (Optional)

1. If you like extra flavor, mix soy sauce, honey, and water, then pour into the pan.

2. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken evenly.

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Step 6: Slice and Serve

1. Remove the chicken and let it rest for 2 minutes.

2. Slice it into thin strips or diagonal pieces.

3. Pour any remaining sauce over the top.

4. Serve hot with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or salad.

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Tips for the Perfect Tender Chicken

• Marinating time is key: Don’t skip it — it helps season and tenderize the meat.

• Control the heat: Low to medium heat keeps the meat juicy.

• Rest the chicken before slicing: This helps retain its natural juices.

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Conclusion

Chinese Pan-Seared Tender Chicken Breast  is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create rich flavor.

With a golden sear, fragrant aroma, and tender bite, it’s a perfect example of healthy Chinese home cooking — light, flavorful, and satisfying.

Serve it with a bowl of steamed rice or noodles, and you’ll have a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious. 🥢🍗