Here is a foolproof method of cooking chicken breast perfectly every time. It’s a simple stovetop recipe that is make every dark meat lover consider changing their allegiance to breast meat. When cooking chicken breast this way, you will get a juicy and tender chicken that is full of flavor.
How to get perfectly cooked chicken breast every time
POUND THE CHICKEN FLAT
Chicken breast is typically fatter on one side and thin on the other. To ensure the meat cooks evenly, pound the meat to flatten out the thicker parts.
Place the breasts in between two sheets of parchment paper (alternatively you can place them in a large zip loc bag). Then use a meat mallot or a rolling pin to pound the meat until it is even throughout.
If your chicken breasts are larger than average, you can also slice them in half.
Season generously
Unlike their dark meat counterparts, chicken meat can be lacking in flavor. Be sure to season with salt and pepper and your favorite seasoning blend. Season both sides of the meat generously.
COOKING THE CHICKEN BREASTS
- Use a stainless steel pan if you have it to ensure even cooking. Be sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the oil and subsequently the chicken.
- Use a neutral flavored oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil, grapeseed oil, canola, or vegetable oil.
- Aim away from you when laying the chicken breasts onto the hot pan to avoid oil splatter.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The exact time may vary depending on your pan as well as the size of your meat. You’ll know you can flip when the breast has turned golden.
- Baste the chicken breasts with butter as it cooks to add more flavor. You can also add garlic or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme if desired.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken has cooked through. I like to take the chicken off the heat once it reaches 160 to 162 degrees as the meat will continue to cook as it rests through carryover cooking. If your chicken is still a little pink, you can always reheat it on the pan.
Let your chicken rest
As with any other meat, it’s important to allow your chicken breasts to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes so the juices can redistribute. Slicing the chicken breasts without resting will cause all the juices to run out of the meat and lead to a dry chicken.
Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp avocado oil any neutral oil with high smoke point
Seasoning blend
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Lay raw chicken breasts between 2 sheets of parchment paper and pound using a meat mallot or rolling pin until the meat has even thickness throughout
- Season generously with seasoning blend
- Add oil to a hot pan and swish to ensure the surface of the pan is evenly coated with the oil
- Gently place chicken breasts in the pan. Lay them away from you to avoid oil splatter.
- Let the breasts cook on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the surface of the meat is golden. Then add butter and once it starts to foam, baste the breasts with the melted butter.
- Remove from pan once the internal temperature of the meat has reached 160-162 degrees Fahrenheit. The meat will continue to cook after they are removed to the pan. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
