How to Properly Cook Chicken Breast
Chicken is the most eaten meat around the world and the breast is arguably the most popular cut. However, not everyone knows how to cook chicken breasts the right way.
If your chicken breasts aren’t turning out how you’d like, a few cooking tips can boost them. The following guide will explain how to cook them perfectly every time.
Read on and learn to cook chicken breasts like a professional chef to wow your family and guests.
Table of Contents
Preparation
Before you cook your breast, make sure to choose a high quality chicken supplier for the best result. This way you’ll get cuts with more protein, less fat, and better flavor.
You’ll also want to make sure to have quality cooking utensils and the best seasonings on hand. You might have all the chicken cooking skills in the world, but you’ll need good tools to cook breasts perfectly.
Pan-Seared Chick Breast
Cooking times and temperatures for pan-searing chicken breasts depend on their thickness. Regardless of thickness, you should always use a thermometer to ensure a chicken breast reaches at least 165ºF before serving it.
First mix together some smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and steak seasoning in a bowl. Generously cover the chicken breasts with the seasoning mix on every side.
Next, pour 1 Tbsp of cooking oil into a big skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. After the oil heats up, stir the oil around the skillet until it’s covered.
Place your chicken breasts in the skillet and let them cook for about 8 minutes without turning them over. After 8 minutes, turn the chicken breast and cook the other side until it’s browned and 165ºF in the middle.
You can add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet for a little flavor boost. Let it melt and then turn the chicken over a few times to cover it in butter.
Move the chicken onto a clean cutting board and let it sit for about five minutes. Then, slice up your chicken breast and serve it to your hungry and eager guests!
Baking Tips
First, coat your chicken breast in cooking oil and add salt and other seasonings of your choice. Preheat your oven to 400ºF and place your chicken in a broiler pan.
After the oven preheats, place the broiler pan inside and bake the chicken for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, flip the chicken and let it bake for another 15 minutes.
You’ll know your chicken breasts have finished cooking when the juices run clear. At this point, remove the chicken from the pan and move it to a plate.
Pour chicken broth into the broiler pan and then use a spatula to scrape off any brown pieces from the side of the pan. Pour the pan sauce you’ve created over the chicken breasts and serve immediately.
Using Cooking Tips for Chicken Breasts
Remember these cooking tips to pan-sear or bake your chicken breasts to perfection. Keep in mind that thinner cuts might require a higher cooking temperature and shorter cooking times.
Take a look at our site’s food category for more easy recipes and tips for the kitchen.
