Perfect Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

Thoroughly dry chicken with paper towels; season all over with salt and pepper. Place chicken on a rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Refrigerate, uncovered, at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. Remove from refrigerator; pat dry again. Heat oil in a 12-inch, straight-sided sauté pan over medium-low until oil shimmers. Add chicken, smooth side down. Cook, without moving, for 9 minutes or until smooth side is pale golden brown and chicken easily releases from pan. Add butter; swirl to coat, lifting chicken so the butter flows underneath. Cook 1 minute or until deep golden brown. Turn chicken; cook 6 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center of breast registers 155°F. Remove pan from heat; let chicken stand in the pan for 3 minutes. Serve immediately.