5 from 150 votes
How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Recipes
This method for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures juicy, fully cooked meat suitable for use in various recipes. The breasts are seasoned, seared on both sides for a browned exterior, then gently steamed with added water until cooked through, yielding tender chicken ready for slicing or further use.
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
14 mins
Total Time
16 mins
Servings:
4
Calories:
184 kcal
Course:
Dinner
Cuisine:
American
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!
Cup of Yum
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
Calories
184kcal
(9%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 184
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 184kcal | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.