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How to Cook Chicken Breast for Dinner
chicken breast
Making cooking easy for everyone, so anyone can cook.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Juice of ½ lemon (optional)
Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or thyme) for garnish
Before We Start
Pound Evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breast for even cooking.
Season Generously: Season both sides well to enhance flavor.
Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
Cook Over Medium Heat: Too high heat can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Step 1: Wash the chicken breasts and dry them with paper towels (my opinion: wash with salt). Place the chicken on a cutting board or surface. If it’s too thick, gently press or pound it with a fork or meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
Season the Chicken
Step 2: In a bowl, add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon thyme (if using), salt, and pepper to taste. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides.
Cook the Chicken
Step 3:
Stove Top:
Over medium heat, place a skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter. Place the chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5–7 minutes or until the color changes.Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Rest
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
How to Serve
Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor.
What Goes with Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts can be paired with a few sides to make a delicious meal:
Vegetables: Roasted, steamed, or grilled veggies, or sautéed spinach or kale.
Salads: Mixed greens, cucumber, and tomato salad.
Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or flatbread.
Recipes Related to Chicken Breast
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts (boneless)
Cream cheese, spinach, and garlic (for stuffing)
Salt, pepper, and paprika
Steps:
Make a slice in the chicken breast to create a pocket.
Mix the stuffing (cream cheese, spinach, garlic) and fill the pocket.
Sprinkle seasoning like black pepper.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Shredded Chicken Breast
Boil chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs until fully cooked (15–20 minutes).
Shred using two forks.
Use in tacos, wraps, or salads.
Breaded Chicken Breast
Coat chicken in flour, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs.
Fry or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until golden and crispy.
Fried Chicken Breast
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour with buttermilk and spices (cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper) and a squeeze of lemon.
Coat in seasoned flour and deep fry until golden and crispy.
Grilled and Baked Chicken Breast
Marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs.
Grill it on medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
Season it with the same ingredients and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes.
Conclusion
Let’s Cook
Wash the chicken with salt and dry it with paper towels. Place the chicken on a surface or cutting board. If it's too thick, press it gently with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
Take a bowl, add garlic powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the chicken with olive oil and then sprinkle the seasoning evenly on both sides.
(Stovetop)
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 5–7 minutes.
(Oven)
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat a skillet with 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Before serving, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for extra flavor!
For More Recipes, Check Out:
How to make rolls (tasty)
P.S. Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest for more recipes, tips, and ideas! 🌿
FAQs
What is the best way to cook chicken breast?
The best way depends on your preference! Grilling and baking keep it healthy, while frying adds indulgence.
How to make chicken breast without drying it out?
Use Marinades: They add moisture and flavor.
Cook on Medium Heat: Avoid overcooking; use a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C).
Rest Before Cutting: Let it sit for 5 minutes to retain juices.
Should I boil or fry chicken breast?
Boiling is common and healthier for dishes like soups or steamed veggies. Frying gives a crispy, indulgent texture but is higher in fat.
How to boil chicken breast?
1. Place chicken in a pot and cover with water.
2. Add salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. Boil for 15–20 minutes or until fully cooked.
What is the best way to cook chicken breasts?
For juicy and flavorful results:
Marinate Before Cooking: It enhances flavor and moisture.
Use a Moisture-Sealing Method: Grilling, baking, or pan-searing works well.
How do you keep chicken breast moist when cooking?
Marinate: Use yogurt, oil, or buttermilk.
Don’t Overcook: Use a thermometer to check doneness.
Add Butter or Sauce: Keep it juicy while cooking.