How to Cook Chicken Breast in a Pan: 5 Easy

How to Cook Chicken Breast in a Pan: 5 Easy Steps for Perfectly Juicy Chicken

Cooking chicken breast in a pan is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare a delicious, healthy meal. However, achieving that perfectly cooked chicken – tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside – can be tricky if you don’t know the right technique. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 5 simple steps to cook chicken breast in a pan and ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

Whether you’re new to cooking or simply want to improve your skills, this guide will help you make the most out of your chicken breast. No more dry, overcooked chicken – just juicy, flavorful results!

1. Choose the Right Chicken Breast

The first step to making the best pan-cooked chicken breast is to select the right cut of meat. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically the easiest and most versatile option, as they cook quickly and evenly in a pan.

Tip: Always choose fresh chicken breasts over frozen, as they will cook more evenly and retain more moisture.

2. Prepare the Chicken Breast

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prep your chicken breast. Here’s how you can do it:

• Flatten the Chicken Breast: To ensure even cooking, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten the chicken breast to an even thickness. This step will prevent the chicken from being dry on the outside while undercooked on the inside.
• Season the Chicken: For the best flavor, season both sides of the chicken with your preferred spices and seasonings. Standard options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Tip: You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to a few hours to enhance its flavor, but it’s not necessary for a simple pan-cooked recipe.

3. Heat the Pan

Now it’s time to heat your pan. For best results, use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron skillet. These types of pans distribute heat evenly and prevent the chicken from sticking to the surface.

• Add oil: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add your chicken.

Tip: Adding a small amount of butter along with the oil can create a delicious, golden crust on the chicken breast.

4. Cooking the Chicken Breast

Place the chicken breast in the hot pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Don’t try to move or flip the chicken during this time; you want it to get a nice golden-brown crust.

• After 5-7 minutes, flip the chicken to the other side. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Tip: If the chicken is particularly thick, reduce the heat to low after flipping and cover the pan with a lid to allow it to cook through without burning the outside.

5. Check for Doneness and Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken has cooked on both sides, you need to check for doneness. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). You can check this using a meat thermometer.

• If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check if the juices run clear, not pink.

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Resting the meat allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken remains moist and tender.

Additional Tips for Cooking Chicken Breast in a Pan

Here are some extra tips to make your pan-cooked chicken breast even more flavorful:

• Add garlic and herbs during cooking: For a richer flavor, add a couple of smashed garlic cloves and a few sprigs of fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the pan while the chicken cooks. This will infuse the chicken with delicious flavors.
• Use a lid for moist chicken: If you prefer your chicken to be more tender, you can cover the pan with a lid while it cooks. This helps to trap the moisture, keeping the chicken breast juicy.
• Make a pan sauce: After the chicken is cooked and removed from the pan, you can make a simple pan sauce by deglazing the pan with chicken broth or white wine. Add a little cream or butter for richness, and drizzle over the chicken for a complete dish.

Conclusion: Perfect Pan-Cooked Chicken Every Time

Cooking chicken breast in a pan is an easy and efficient way to prepare a healthy meal. By following these 5 simple steps – selecting the right chicken, seasoning it well, using the right pan, and cooking it to perfection – you can achieve juicy, tender chicken every time. With a few simple techniques and some extra tips, you’ll be able to elevate this basic dish to something truly delicious.

Now that you know how to cook chicken breast in a pan, experiment with different seasonings, and don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!