To sear chicken: Preheat the Pan: Heat your pan (preferably a heavy skillet) on medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that the chicken sizzles when it touches it. Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken as desired. Use Oil with a High Smoke Point: Add a small amount of oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to the pan. Place the Chicken in the Pan: Lay the chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes until it develops a golden-brown crust. Flip Once: Turn the chicken over to sear the other side. Avoid flipping it multiple times. Finish Cooking: Once seared, you can lower the heat and continue cooking the chicken to the desired doneness, or transfer it to the oven to finish cooking, especially for thicker cuts.