How to Cook Chicken Breast 3 Different Ways
Learn how to cook chicken breast to tender, juicy perfection every time. Use one of these three methods and never eat a dry, chewy chicken breast again!
Ingredients
- 1 chicken breast
- olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
How to Cook Chicken Breast in the Oven
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Rub breasts all over with olive oil and season generously with salt. Place on a baking sheet and bake 15-18 minutes depending on size of breast. When done, juices will run clear and the internal temperature of the breast will be 160-165 F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
How to Cook Chicken Breast on the Grill
- Prepare a grill for medium-low heat. Rub breasts all over with olive oil and season generously with salt. Lightly oil grill grates. Place chicken on grill and close lid. Grill chicken 5 minutes. Flip breasts, close the lid and continue cooking for about 5 minutes longer until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 160-165F and the juices run clear.
How to Cook Chicken Breast in a Pan
- Heat a pan or skillet with about 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and add to pan. Cook for about 1 minute. Then flip breasts, reduce heat to low, and cover with lid for 10 minutes. When done, juices will run clear and the internal temperature of the breast will be 160-165 F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
Video
Notes
Seasoning: Add 1/2 tsp of your favorite spices such as paprika, cumin, or a mix for each chicken breast for flavor. Spices work best for grilling and baking.
Modifications to Pan Method
- Butterflied: To reduce cooking time even further, slice the chicken in half lengthwise (aka "butterflied"). This will decrease the thickness of the breast and allow it to cook quicker. Cook on each side over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes.
- Pounded: Place the breast in between plastic wrap and give it a few pounds with a rolling pin. This can be use with or without the butterflied technique above. Combining these two will give you a super quick method that gives you a nice crispy skin. Cook on each side over medium-high heat for 2-4 minutes (1-2 minutes if also butterflied).
- Stove-top Sear to Oven: I love searing meat and/or fish then transferring it to the oven to finish cooking through. This will give you a nice crust. Preheat an oven to 425 F. Heat an oven-safe pan over medium-high and add about 1 tablespoon of oil once hot. Add seasoned breasts and cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes. Then flip and transfer to oven for about 10 minutes until done.
Nutrition
Serving: 3ozCalories: 252kcalProtein: 35.6gFat: 11.2gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 108mgSodium: 332mgPotassium: 622mgCalcium: 9mgIron: 1mg
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