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    Home » Main Dishes » How To Cook Chicken Breast In A Pan

    Published: Aug 1, 2022 by Ajoke · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    How To Cook Chicken Breast In A Pan

    Skip to Recipe - Print Recipe

    This tutorial will teach you how to cook chicken breast in a pan to perfection like a pro. Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken and hello to juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love. This pan seared (stovetop) chicken breasts will change your mind for good, the process is simple, the meat is tender, juicy, and buttery, and it's so easy to make!

    sliced chicken breast on a chopping board.

    Simple chicken breast recipe

    If you are looking for a quicker way to cook boneless skinless chicken breast that is healthy, delicious, juicy, and tender, then this is the recipe for you. It's a healthier alternative to frying chicken, quicker than baking or air frying, and it's perfect for a busy weeknight meal. You can cook chicken breast in a pan on the stovetop with just a few simple ingredients, and it's ready in less than 30 minutes.

    I seasoned the chicken pieces with salt and pepper and Cajun seasoning but you can easily use your favorite chicken seasoning. Then I seared them in a hot skillet with some olive oil and finished it off with butter until they were golden brown and cooked through.

    Other seasoning ideas you can use on the chicken are peri peri seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, chicken shawarma seasoning, or taco seasoning.

    Related posts: stove top chicken thighs and garlic butter cubed chicken pieces.

    three pan seared chicken breasts in a skillet.

    The key to cooking perfect pan-seared chicken breast

    • Cook chicken breasts that are similar in size so that they cook evenly and at the same time.
    • Do not overcrowd the pan, you want the chicken to cook perfectly with a nice golden brown sear to it. If you overcrowd the pan, the chicken will steam and you will not get that beautiful sear.
    • To buttress the first point, make sure the pan is hot before adding the chicken, this will also help to create a nice sear on the chicken.
    • Season the chicken generously on all sides, this helps the chicken to be flavorful and juicy. Let the chicken cook in the pan without moving it around too much while it is cooking and cook on medium-high heat. If you cook on high heat, then the chicken will cook on the outside but be raw on the inside, and if you cook on low heat then the chicken will take longer to cook, it may steam instead of searing. This might also cause it to overcook which will otherwise make it dry and tough. Cook it until it is just about cooked through. The carryover heat will continue to cook the chicken even after you take it out of the pan. Chicken breast is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C. The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer.
    • Rest the chicken for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows all the juices to redistribute back into the meat so that it is nice and juicy.

    So, now that you are empowered with these tips, let's get started on how to cook chicken breast in a pan!

    a hand holding up a piece of sliced juicy chicken breast.

    Tools needed

    Heavy bottom skillet or cast iron

    An instant-read meat thermometer

    Ingredients

    You need a handful of ingredients to cook this simple chicken breast recipe. If Cajun spice is not your thing then simply swap for any seasoning of choice.

    Boneless skinless chicken breasts

    Butter

    Olive oil

    Cajun seasoning

    Salt and black pepper

    Fresh parsley

    ingredients needed to cook chicken breast placed on a marble surface.

    How to cook chicken breast in a pan

    First, remove any unwanted fat or hanging fats on the chicken and pat dry with a paper kitchen towel.

    Transfer the chicken to a plate and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Flip the chicken and repeat the process on the other side.

    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes per side without moving the chicken for a nice golden brown sear. It shouldn't stick to the pan when you want to flip it.

    Flip the chicken once and cook for additional 5-6 minutes, add butter to the pan and move it around so that it can melt. Once the butter is melted, tilt the pan to one side and spoon the butter over the chicken breasts.

    Add chopped parsley and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F/74C. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!

    the process shot of cooking chicken breast in a pan on the stove.

    What to serve with stovetop chicken breast

    The stovetop chicken can be shredded and used for shredded chicken tacos

    You can also use it in chicken Caesar salad, as a pizza topping, in pasta dishes, or just served with your favorite sides. I also love to serve it with any of the following.

    Sauteed broccolini or sauteed spinach

    Baked feta pasta

    Pink sauce pasta

    Boursin pasta

    Baked cauliflower and broccoli

    Bacon and peas pasta

    three chicken breast in a skillet placed beside a brown napkin.

    Tips

    • If you are using a fairly large chicken breast, you can cut it into cutlets to help it cook evenly and at the same time. You can also pound the chicken flat to the desired thickness if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time for the thickness of the chicken you will be using.
    • To avoid oil splatter, you can use a splatter screen while cooking the chicken. The steam will also help to cook the chicken without it drying out.
    • If the chicken is cooking too quickly and getting dark in color, lower the heat.

    How to store leftovers

    If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When you are ready to use the frozen chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat using the air fryer, microwave, or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water.

    close up on sliced chicken breast.
    sliced juicy and tender chicken breast on a chopping board.

    How To Cook Chicken Breast In A Pan

    Ajoke
    his tutorial will teach you how to cook chicken breasts in a pan to perfection like a pro. Say goodbye to bland, dry chicken breasts and hello to juicy, flavorful chicken that everyone will love. This pan seared stove top chicken breast will change your mind for good, the process is simple, the meat is tender, juicy, and buttery, and it's so easy to make!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 14 mins
    Total Time 19 mins
    Course Chicken
    Cuisine American, British
    Servings 4
    Calories 212 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 30 g unsalted butter
    • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 Tablspoon Cajun seasoning
    • Salt and black pepper
    • Fresh parsley chopped

    Instructions
     

    • Prep the chicken: remove any unwanted fat or hanging fats on the chicken and pat dry with a paper kitchen towel.
    • Transfer the chicken to a plate and season with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Flip the chicken and repeat the process on the other side.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes per side without moving the chicken for a nice golden brown sear. It shouldn't stick to the pan when you want to flip it.
    • Flip the chicken once and cook for additional 5-6 minutes, add butter to the pan and move it around the pan so that it can melt quickly. Once the butter is melted, tilt the pan to one side and spoon the butter over the chicken breasts for a few seconds.
    • Add chopped parsley and remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
      PS: Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches about 162F/71C. before taking it off the heat. The residual heat will take the temperature to 165F/74C while the chicken is resting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 212kcalCarbohydrates: 0.01gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 99mgPotassium: 315mgSugar: 0.01gVitamin A: 213IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 0.4mg

    Nutritional data: Please note that the nutrition label provided is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. It will vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Under no circumstances will thedinnerbite.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.

    Keyword how to cook chicken breast in a pan, pan seared chicken breast, stove top chicken breast
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    FAQs

    how long to cook chicken breast in pan

    It depends on the thickness of your chicken breast. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for 6-7 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

    Is it better to bake or cook chicken breast in a pan?

    Both methods work great, it really depends on your preference. Baking chicken breast in the oven tends to be more forgiving as it is harder to overcook it. While cooking chicken breast on the stovetop allows you to get a nice sear on the outside.

    How to stop chicken breast from drying out when pan frying

    There are a few things you can do to help prevent your chicken breast from drying out. First, make sure to cook on high heat. Second, add some fat to the pan in the form of butter or oil. And lastly, let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into it to allow the juices to redistribute.

    one cooked chicken breast on a fish spatula.

    More guide on how to cook

    Chicken breast in the air fryer

    Sausages in the oven

    Ground beef

    Steak in the air fryer

    I hope you'll find this guide on how to cook chicken breast in a pan helpful, Please let me know how it turns out for you if you try it! Kindly rate the recipe 5 star and leave me feedback in the comment section below. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save away to your Pinterest. Please subscribe to the blog if you haven’t for free new recipes in your inbox

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    Filed Under: Chicken Recipes, Main Dishes

    About Ajoke

    Hello, Nice to meet you! Welcome and thanks for visiting my food blog "The Dinner Bite". Feel free to browse through, you are guaranteed nothing here but a yummy experience

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    Comments

    1. Rebecca says

      February 14, 2023 at 12:54 am

      5 stars
      This is so good! I used your recipe for anytime spice mix and then followed your instructions. So good. So juicy! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Ajoke says

        February 15, 2023 at 9:07 pm

        Aw, I am so glad to hear that Rebecca, thank you for the feedback

        Reply

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