How to Cook Perfect Chicken Breasts for Salads and Sandwiches
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How to Cook Perfect Chicken Breasts for Salads and Sandwiches
Description
Starting with completely thawed chicken breasts, the recipe calls for pounding them to an even thickness to promote even cooking and prevent dryness. After seasoning with salt, pepper, and any preferred marinade or spices, the chicken breasts are cooked over medium to medium-high heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which ensures they are safely cooked but still juicy.
Letting the chicken rest after cooking prevents moisture loss when slicing. Deglazing the skillet with wine, broth, or water captures browned bits from cooking for a simple pan jus to drizzle over the sliced chicken. This technique creates tender, flavorful chicken pieces suitable for adding to sandwiches or salads without drying out.
The straightforward method is versatile to accommodate different seasonings and marinades depending on the desired flavor profile.
Ingredients
- chicken breast boneless skinless
- salt
- black pepper
- Seasonings or marinade of choice
Instructions
- Start with completely defrosted chicken breasts.
- Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness by placing your chicken breast smooth-side up between two layers of plastic wrap or in a large disposable plastic bag (my preferred method) and go to town. Start with the thickest part of the meat and strike it, working outward until the breast is the same thickness all over.
- Marinate or sprinkle both sides of your chicken with salt, pepper, and your preferred spices before it goes on the heat.
- Heat pan over medium to medium-high heat, grease with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil, and add your chicken to the pan. Cook for 5-8 minutes per side. Turn heat down if chicken begins to burn.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of your meat. Pull the chicken breast when it reaches 165 degrees and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Deglaze the pan with 2 tablespoons of white wine, chicken broth, or water and pour back over chicken.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- The nutritional info provided is for a 4-ounce serving of cooked chicken breast prepared with cooking spray.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 152 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 152kcal | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
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Overall Rating
5
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