How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Recipes
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How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Recipes
Description
To cook chicken breasts properly, start by seasoning both sides with salt and black pepper. In a hot skillet greased lightly with oil or cooking spray, sear the breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until nicely browned, then flip and brown the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. This develops a flavorful crust and seals in juices. Next, add about half an inch of water to the pan and reduce heat to medium. Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, extending the time for larger breasts, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F indicating safe doneness.
After cooking, remove the breasts and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender chicken. Properly cooked chicken breasts prepared this way can then be sliced or shredded to use in salads, pastas, sandwiches, or other dishes.
Chicken breast sizes vary, but on average one medium breast yields a little more than 2 cups of cooked meat, which helps gauge quantity for recipes. This straightforward approach provides a reliable foundation for many chicken-based meals.
Ingredients
- chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- water
Instructions
- Salt and pepper both sides of your chicken breasts.
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly grease with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook until the first side is nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Flip chicken breasts and brown second side, 2 to 3 minutes. Once both sides are browned, add about 1/2-inch of water to the pan. Turn heat down to medium, cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes (longer with larger breasts), adding more water if it all evaporates, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.
- Remove breasts from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting as recipe calls for. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken breast sizes differ; a medium breast typically weighs about 8 ounces and yields just over 1 cup cooked meat per half breast.
- Rest cooked chicken breasts for 5 minutes before slicing to keep them juicy.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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Overall Rating
5
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