Gordon Ramsay’s chicken breast recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that transforms a basic cut of chicken into a moist, flavorful, and restaurant-quality meal. With a perfect pan-seared crust, aromatic herbs, and a rich butter glaze, this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Follow this step-by-step guide to achieve a crispy, golden exterior, and juicy interior just like Chef Ramsay.
What is Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast Recipe?
Gordon Ramsay’s pan-seared chicken breast is a classic dish where boneless, skin-on chicken breast is seared in a hot pan, basted with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, then finished in the oven. This method ensures maximum juiciness while creating beautifully crisp skin.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes
- Gordon Ramsay Chicken Casserole
- Gordon Ramsay Potatoes Dauphinoise
- Gordon Ramsay Lamb Chop
- Gordon Ramsay Malaysian Curry
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Moist and Juicy – Perfectly cooked chicken with a tender, flavorful interior.
- Crispy and Golden – Achieves a restaurant-quality sear on the skin.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Versatile Dish – Can be paired with various sides and sauces.
- Rich in Flavor – Basted with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs for depth.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- For the optional pan sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) if finishing the chicken in the oven.
- Season the chicken – Pat dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Add butter and aromatics – Reduce heat to medium, then add butter, garlic, and rosemary.
- Baste the chicken – Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chicken for added moisture and flavor.
- Finish cooking – Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If using the oven, transfer the pan and roast for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest before serving – Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Make the sauce (optional) – Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then whisk in mustard, butter, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened, then drizzle over the chicken.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes – The butter-basted chicken complements soft, fluffy potatoes.
- Serve with roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus add texture.
- Enjoy with a fresh salad – A light arugula or Caesar salad balances the richness.
- Pair with pasta or rice – A simple garlic butter pasta or lemon-infused rice works well.
- Top with a pan sauce – A light Dijon mustard or lemon butter sauce enhances the flavors.
- Pair with a glass of white wine – A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the dish.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Use skin-on chicken breast – It creates a crispy texture while keeping the meat moist.
- Pat the chicken dry before cooking – Ensures a perfect golden crust.
- Sear at high heat first – Lock in juices and give a crispy exterior.
- Baste with butter for extra flavor – Keeps the chicken juicy and aromatic.
- Finish in the oven for even cooking – Prevents overcooking and ensures tenderness.
- Rest the chicken before slicing – Helps retain moisture and prevents dryness.
- Adjust seasoning as needed – Taste and tweak with lemon, salt, or pepper.
Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Spicy version with chili flakes – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Herb-infused with basil and parsley – Mix fresh herbs into the butter basting.
- Mediterranean-style with olives and feta – Top with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta.
- Creamy garlic sauce addition – Simmer in a garlic cream sauce for richness.
- Lemon-pepper twist – Use lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- BBQ-style with smoky flavors – Brush with BBQ sauce before serving for a smoky, tangy kick.
Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Refrigerate properly for freshness – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for later use – Freeze cooked chicken breasts for up to 2 months.
- Use proper wrapping techniques – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating or freezing.
- Thaw safely before reheating – Let frozen chicken thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Breast
- Reheat in the oven for best results – Warm at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes to maintain juiciness.
- Use a skillet for quick heating – Reheat on medium heat with a little butter for a fresh-cooked taste.
- Avoid microwaving for crispy skin – The microwave can make the skin rubbery—use the oven or stovetop instead.
- Add moisture to prevent dryness – Drizzle a bit of chicken broth or butter before reheating to keep it juicy.
FAQs
How do you keep chicken breastss from drying out when cooking?
To keep chicken breast from drying out, sear it over high heat first, then baste with butter and finish cooking at a lower temperature. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking also helps retain moisture.
What is the best way to season Gordon Ramsay’s chicken breast?
The best way to season Gordon Ramsay’s chicken breast is to use simple ingredients like salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Searing it in olive oil and finishing with butter, garlic, and rosemary enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
Can I make Gordon Ramsay’s chicken breast without butter?
Yes, you can make this dish without butter by using extra olive oil or a dairy-free alternative like ghee. However, butter adds richness and helps achieve the signature golden crust.
What temperature should chicken breast be cooked to for perfect doneness?
Chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer ensures it’s fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.
Final Words
Gordon Ramsay’s chicken breast recipe is a masterclass in simple yet flavorful cooking. With its crispy skin, juicy interior, and rich butter-basted flavor, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal for guests, this recipe is a must-try. Follow these steps to cook like a pro and elevate your chicken breast game!
PrintGordon Ramsay Chicken Breast Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s pan-seared chicken breast is a classic dish where boneless, skin-on chicken breast is seared in a hot pan, basted with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, then finished in the oven. This method ensures maximum juiciness while creating beautifully crisp skin.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 2 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
For the optional pan sauce:
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) if finishing the chicken in the oven.
- Season the chicken – Pat dry, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken – Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Add butter and aromatics – Reduce heat to medium, then add butter, garlic, and rosemary.
- Baste the chicken – Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the chicken for added moisture and flavor.
- Finish cooking – Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes. If using the oven, transfer the pan and roast for 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest before serving – Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Make the sauce (optional) – Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, then whisk in mustard, butter, and lemon juice. Simmer until slightly thickened, then drizzle over the chicken.