Chicken is one of the most popular salad toppers, but let’s be real—it doesn’t always hit the mark. Sometimes it’s dry, sometimes it’s bland and other times it just doesn’t hold up after a day or two in the fridge. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I’m sharing this Perfect Pan-Grilled Chicken Breast Recipe with you.
This is my go-to method for making juicy, flavorful chicken that stays tender and delicious, even after meal prep. You don’t need an outdoor grill or any fancy marinades to make it happen. With just a grill pan and a handful of ingredients, you’ll get perfectly charred, smoky chicken every single time. No grill pan? No problem—a regular skillet works just as well.
What really makes this chicken stand out is its versatility. Whether you’re topping fresh greens, mixing it into grain bowls or wrapping it up for a quick and satisfying meal, it fits effortlessly into any dish. This recipe is simple, packed with high-quality protein, and guaranteed to become a kitchen staple. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made salads without it!
Topper Insights

When it comes to seasoning chicken, it’s easy to go all out. After all, with so many spices and blends to choose from, experimenting can be fun. But for pan-grilled chicken that’s meant to top salads, keeping it simple is the way to go. By using just a few seasonings, you let the chicken complement the fresh ingredients in your salad rather than overpowering them.
Another key step is tenderizing the chicken. Pounding the breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy, whether you’re grilling or pan-searing them.
For this recipe, I stick to a handful of essentials that deliver perfectly balanced flavor:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: A lean, protein-rich choice that cooks evenly.
- Kosher Salt: Highlights the chicken’s natural flavors without overwhelming the salad.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and depth.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a savory, mellow kick to the mix.
- Dried Oregano: Lends subtle earthiness that pairs well with fresh greens.
- Avocado Oil (for Cooking): A neutral, heart-healthy oil with a high smoke point for a perfect sear.
Topper Building Blocks

This straightforward approach delivers juicy, flavorful chicken that works beautifully with any salad combination you dream up! If you enjoy experimenting with seasonings, feel free to make it your own. Just remember that simplicity allows the chicken to shine alongside the other layers in your salad.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound total)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or your preferred neutral oil)
Build Your Topper

Cooking perfectly pan-grilled chicken for your salads starts with proper preparation. Follow these simple steps to achieve juicy, flavorful results that will level up any salad.

- Tenderize the Chicken: Place the chicken on a cutting board lined with plastic wrap and cover it with another sheet or use a resealable bag. Pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch, starting with the flat side of a meat mallet for consistency and switching to the textured side to tenderize further. A heavy object like a rolling pin works too. Pat the tenderized chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure proper browning.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Press the seasonings into the surface to help them adhere and enhance the flavor.
- Preheat the Pan: Heat a grill pan (or skillet) over medium-high heat and add avocado oil. Spread the oil evenly across the pan and heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them to develop char marks (if using a grill pan). Flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Optional Oven Finish: For thicker breasts or to reduce smoke, sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side to create grill marks. Transfer to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pan or oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the chicken into strips or cubes, depending on your salad needs.

Customize Your Topper

Pan-grilled chicken is more than just a salad topper—it’s a way to transform any dish into a flavorful, satisfying meal. Whether you’re craving bold and spicy or subtle and herbaceous flavors, here are some creative ways to enjoy this versatile protein and make it your own.
- Build Your Bowl: Enjoy sliced or chopped chicken in recipes like a classic Cobb, a refreshing Greek salad or a hearty Caesar for flavorful, protein-packed bowls.
- Use in Other Meals: Add sliced chicken to wraps, sandwiches or grain bowls for a versatile, protein-rich option beyond salads.
- Experiment with Herbs: Swap oregano for thyme, rosemary, basil or dill to tailor the chicken’s flavor to your salad or dish.
- Make It Sweet or Savory: Drizzle honey or maple syrup during the last minute of cooking for caramelized sweetness. This pairs beautifully with dressings like honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette.
- Try Global Flavors: Use curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist, za’atar for Middle Eastern flair or jerk seasoning for a bold Caribbean vibe.
Let Me See Your Dressing
If you enjoy this Pan-Grilled Chicken Breast, which I’m quite sure you will, drop a comment below and share your pics on Instagram (@that.salad.lady) and TikTok (@thatsaladlady). Don’t forget to add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl. Add the hashtags #thatsaladlady and #buildyourbowl too.
Love it? Pin it on Pinterest and share it on Facebook using #thatsaladlady. I can’t wait to see your creations!
This information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate. Please review my full disclaimer to get a clear understanding of the nutrition and health information and resources presented and written on my website.