HexClad pans heat evenly and are oven-safe, making them ideal for pan-searing then finishing in the oven for juicy results. Here are proven methods, tips, and a simple recipe framework.
General Tips for Success in HexClad
• Season the pan first (especially new pans): Heat on medium-low, add 1 tsp high-smoke-point oil (avocado, vegetable, canola, grapeseed), swirl, and heat 2-3 minutes. Wipe excess. This builds performance. hexclad.com
• Preheat properly: Use medium to medium-high heat. Let the pan get hot before adding oil and chicken for a good sear without sticking.
• Oil choice: Avocado, grapeseed, or light olive oil for higher heat. A bit of butter at the end for flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed for even browning.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 165°F (74°C) internal temperature in the thickest part. Rest chicken 5-10 minutes after cooking.
• Cleanup: Warm soapy water + soft sponge. Soak for stubborn bits. Avoid abrasives on the cooking surface. hexclad.com
• Heat management: HexClad heats efficiently — you often don’t need max heat. Lower temps help prevent drying out chicken.
Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Quick Weeknight)
• Pat chicken dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and spices/herbs (garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, etc.).
• Optional: Brine or marinate (e.g., lemon-garlic, yogurt) for juiciness. youtube.com
• Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in the pan over medium-high until shimmering.
• Add chicken (skin-side down for bone-in/skin-on). Sear undisturbed 3-5 minutes until golden. Flip and sear another 3-5 minutes.
• For thicker breasts: Lower heat, cover, or transfer to a 400°F oven for 5-15 minutes until done. hexclad.com
• Finish with butter, garlic, herbs, and lemon for basting (aromatic “fond” builds great flavor).
One-Pan Meals (e.g., Lemon Butter Chicken or Garlic Herb)
• Sear chicken as above, remove, then sauté aromatics/veggies in the same pan.
• Add liquid (broth, wine, lemon juice), return chicken, and finish in a preheated 400°F oven (often 10-20 minutes). hexclad.com hexclad.com
• Great with asparagus, orzo, kale, etc.
Fried Chicken or Crispy Pieces
• Use a deeper HexClad sauté/chicken fryer pan if you have one.
• Season, dredge, and fry in batches at proper oil temp for crispiness. HexClad handles this well. hexclad.com
Other Options: Stir-fry strips, fajitas, or even roast a whole/small chicken in a larger pan or with a rack.
Simple Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Chicken Example
• Ingredients (for 4 servings): 4 chicken breasts or thighs, salt/pepper, 2-3 Tbsp oil, 3-4 garlic cloves, lemon juice/zest, butter, herbs (thyme/rosemary).
• Steps:
Season and pat dry chicken.
Medium-high heat, oil, sear skin-side down ~4 min until golden. Flip.
Add garlic, butter, herbs, and lemon. Baste chicken.
Cook to 165°F (or oven-finish if thick). Rest and serve. youtube.com
Best Methods
Chicken thighs are more forgiving and juicier than breasts. For breasts, pounding to even thickness or brining helps avoid dryness. @i
Experiment with HexClad’s official recipes for lemon butter chicken, garlic herb, or honey chicken — they turn out excellent in these pans. hexclad.com Start simple, focus on a good sear and proper temp, and you’ll get restaurant-quality results with easy cleanup. Enjoy!