How to Cook Chicken Breast on the Stove

Preparing the Chicken Breast for Cooking

Before cooking your chicken breast on the stove, it’s important to properly prepare it to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Trim the chicken breast: Use a sharp knife to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken breast. This not only helps the chicken cook more evenly, but also reduces the amount of fat in the final dish.

2. Pound the chicken breast (optional): If you have a thick chicken breast, you may want to pound it with a meat mallet to flatten it out. This will help it cook more evenly and quickly.

3. Season the chicken breast: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. You can also marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for extra flavor.

4. Let the chicken breast come to room temperature: Remove the chicken breast from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming tough.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to prepare your chicken breast for cooking on the stove and ensure a delicious and flavorful final dish.

Cooking the Chicken Breast on the Stove

Cooking chicken breast on the stove is a quick and easy way to get dinner on the table. Here’s how to do it:

1. Heat a skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as olive oil or vegetable oil, to the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom.

2. Add the chicken breast: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side, or until the chicken is golden brown and releases easily from the pan.

3. Flip the chicken breast: Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken breast over and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes on the other side.

4. Lower the heat and cover the skillet: If the chicken breast is still not cooked through, lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165°F.

5. Remove from heat and let rest: Once the chicken breast is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and juicy chicken breast on the stove in no time.

Checking for Doneness and Resting the Chicken Breast

After cooking your chicken breast on the stove, it’s important to check for doneness and let it rest before slicing and serving. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. It should read 165°F when fully cooked. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast to check for any pinkness or rawness.

2. Let the chicken breast rest: Once the chicken breast is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful final dish.

By checking for doneness and allowing the chicken breast to rest, you’ll be able to ensure a perfectly cooked and delicious final dish.

Serving and Enjoying Your Perfectly Cooked Chicken Breast

Now that your chicken breast is cooked and rested, it’s time to slice it up and serve it! Here are some tips for serving and enjoying your perfectly cooked chicken breast:

1. Slice the chicken breast: Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken breast into thin strips or large pieces, depending on your preference.

2. Serve with your favorite sides: Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

3. Add a sauce or seasoning: If you want to add some extra flavor to your chicken breast, try adding a sauce or seasoning. Some popular options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

4. Enjoy your meal: Sit back, relax, and enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken breast with your favorite sides and any additional toppings or seasonings.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to serve and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal featuring your stove-cooked chicken breast.

Choosing the Right Chicken Breast

Choosing the right chicken breast is an important step in ensuring a delicious and perfectly cooked final dish. Here are some tips for choosing the right chicken breast:

1. Look for fresh, high-quality chicken: When shopping for chicken breast, look for fresh, high-quality chicken that has been properly handled and stored. Avoid chicken that looks slimy, has an off odor, or has a grayish color.

2. Choose the right cut: Chicken breast is available in several different cuts, including bone-in and boneless, skin-on and skinless. Choose the cut that best suits your recipe and cooking method.

3. Consider the size and thickness: Chicken breast comes in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Thicker chicken breasts will take longer to cook than thinner ones, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

4. Check for added hormones or antibiotics: Some chicken may contain added hormones or antibiotics. If this is a concern for you, look for chicken that is labeled as “antibiotic-free” or “hormone-free.”

By following these tips, you’ll be able to choose the right chicken breast for your recipe and ensure a delicious and satisfying final dish.