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How to Cook Chicken Breast (Chef Secret to Perfect Chicken)

This post will show you how to cook chicken breast just like the restaurants do it.  This method creates the perfect baked chicken breast with a nice sear on the outside and a juicy, tender inside!
Course Main
Cuisine Canadian
Keyword baked chicken breast, how to cook chicken, how to cook chicken breast, pan fried chicken breast
Prep Time 2 minutes
Cook Time 13 minutes
Total Time 12 minutes
Servings 4 breasts
Calories 203kcal
Author Julie & Debbie

Equipment

  • Oven Proof Skillet
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breast
  • 1-2 tbsp olive oil , or coconut or avocado oil
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tbsp other spices optional

Instructions

  • Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees. Heat an oven proof skillet to med-high heat.
  • Cut off all the fat and any other bits you don't like.  Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.  If you like, sprinkle the chicken with any other herbs or spices you want.
  • When the pan is hot, add the oil and allow it to heat up for a min.  Add the chicken carefully so that the oil doesn't splash you.  Let it cook for about 3 mins or until it gets nice and brown underneath. Then flip the chicken to the other side.  Cook for 2 mins on the second side and then slide your pan into the oven.
  • If your chicken is boneless, cook it for 6-8 mins in the oven or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, then pull it out and let it rest for 10 mins before slicing it.  
  • If your chicken has the bone on it still, increase the time in the oven to about 12 - 15 mins depending on how big the chicken pieces are. 

Notes

A cast iron or stainless steel skillet works the best for this recipe!
One word about temperature.  Everyone's oven and stove is a little different and it may take a little time to figure out exactly what temperature on the stove produces a nice sear on your chicken, and how long it needs to stay in your oven.  For my gas stove, I get a great sear at medium heat on the stove, but I had a stove where i had to have it turned to high or medium high.  My current oven is quite big and I think that makes a difference.  My chicken needs 8 - 10 mins in the oven, when in previous regular sized ovens, it only needed 5 or 6.  It also depends on how long you have cooked the chicken on the stove too. 
Play around with it a little and you will find what works best for you and your kitchen! 

Nutrition

Serving: 1breast | Calories: 203kcal | Protein: 32g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1162mg | Potassium: 836mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 0.9mg