Cooking chicken breast in a skillet is one of the quickest and easiest ways to prepare this healthy, lean protein. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious, juicy chicken breast on the table in less than 30 minutes. But getting the timing right is crucial to prevent undercooked or dried out chicken. So how long exactly should you cook chicken breasts in a skillet for optimal results?
Factors That Affect Chicken Breast Cook Time
Several factors impact the cook time required to properly prepare chicken breasts in a skillet
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Thickness of the chicken breast – Thicker breasts take longer to cook through to an internal temperature of 165°F than thinner ones Pound chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness for consistent cooking
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Bone-in or boneless – Bone-in chicken breasts have meat protected by the bone so require longer cooking than boneless. Opt for boneless for quicker skillet cooking.
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Frozen or thawed – Only cook thawed chicken in a skillet as frozen will cook unevenly. Defrost in the fridge overnight before cooking.
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Heat level – Higher heat expedites cooking so thin breasts may only need 4-5 minutes per side. Lower the heat for thick breasts which need up to 8 minutes per side
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Skillet material – Heavier materials like cast iron retain heat better for faster cooking. Non-stick doesn’t brown as well and may require longer cook time.
Step-By-Step Guide to Skillet Chicken Breasts
Follow this simple process for foolproof chicken breast cooked to juicy perfection:
1. Prepare the chicken – Pound to 1/2-inch thickness and season generously with salt, pepper and spices of choice. Let sit as flavors absorb.
2. Heat oil in a skillet – Use a heavy material skillet over medium-high heat. When oil shimmers, it’s ready.
3. Sear both sides – Cook chicken undisturbed for 3-5 minutes per side to get a good sear.
4. Finish cooking – Reduce heat to medium and flip breasts occasionally until cooked through.
5. Check temperature – Breasts should reach minimum 165°F internally. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
6. Let rest 5 minutes – This locks in the juices before slicing and serving chicken.
How Long Exactly Should You Cook Chicken Breasts?
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Thin chicken breasts (1/2-inch thickness): Approximately 4-5 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes total
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Thick chicken breasts (1-inch+ thickness): Around 8 minutes per side, 15-20 minutes total
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Bone-in chicken breasts: Increase cook time to 25-35 minutes depending on thickness
Always rely on an instant-read thermometer rather than time alone to assess doneness. Cook until it reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
If browning too quickly on the outside but still undercooked inside, reduce heat and cook a little longer. Covering the skillet can also help cook the inside more gently.
Tips for Maximizing Juiciness
Chicken dries out quickly with overcooking. Follow these tips for guaranteed moist, flavorful chicken breast every time:
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Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking
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Brine chicken in saltwater for 30 minutes before cooking
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Use a meat thermometer and don’t overcook past 165°F
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Let chicken rest before slicing for juices to redistribute
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Add butter or oil when cooking to baste and prevent drying
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Coat chicken in pan sauces after cooking for extra moisture
Perfectly Cooked Skillet Chicken is Simple
With the right technique, cooking chicken breast in a skillet is foolproof. Follow the guidelines above on cook times, thermometer temperatures, and resting. In less than 30 minutes, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken breast for easy weeknight meals or meal prep. Master this basic cooking method and experiment with different seasonings and pan sauces for endless variety.
How to Make Pan Roasted Chicken
If we can find them, boneless skin-on chicken breasts are our go-to for this recipe. If you can’t find chicken breasts with the skin left on and the bone out, you can make this with bone-in breasts or skin-on chicken thighs. You can also use skinless breasts, although I have to admit that golden-brown skin is my favorite part.
I cook the chicken in butter for this chicken recipe and add lots of fresh thyme. You’ll start by generously seasoning the chicken with salt. Then, place it skin-side down into a hot pan. When the chicken is golden brown, flip it and add butter and fresh thyme.
Now, here’s the good part! When the butter has melted, spoon it all over the chicken, and then slide the pan into the oven so the chicken can finish cooking.
While the chicken finishes cooking in the oven, open the oven door a couple of times and spoon more butter over the chicken to keep it moist.
Gordon Ramsay Demonstrates How To Cook A Perfect Chicken Breast | Season 6 Ep. 2 | MASTERCHEF JUNIOR
FAQ
How long does chicken breast take to cook on a skillet?
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. …
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. …
- Carefully add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. …
- Flip the chicken and cook until it reaches 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes more. …
- Slice and serve.
How long does it take to cook chicken breast pieces in a pan?
In a large cast-iron or stainless steel skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in an even layer and cook undisturbed for 4 minutes. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
How long does a chicken breast take to cook?
How long does breast take to cook on a pan?
Place chicken breasts skin-side down in the skillet. Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Cook until the bottoms are well seared and golden brown, 5 to 6 minutes.Nov 13, 2024
Can you cook chicken breast on a skillet?
Cooking chicken breast on a skillet is a great way to achieve a delicious, moist, and flavorful result. However, it can be challenging to determine the right cooking time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without becoming dry.
How long does it take to cook chicken in a skillet?
The cooking time for chicken in a skillet can vary based on several factors, including the thickness of the chicken and the heat level used. Generally, boneless, skinless chicken breasts will take about 6-8 minutes per side over medium heat. Thicker pieces or bone-in cuts may take longer, around 10-15 minutes per side, depending on their size.
How long does it take to cook a chicken breast?
Flip the chicken after 5 minutes (don’t poke, prod, wiggle, or try to flip). After you’ve flipped, add 1 tablespoon of butter and cook for another 5 minutes for a golden, juicy piece of meat. You’ll cook chicken breast on the stove for roughly 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time.
How do you cook chicken breast in a pan?
Juicy, golden and never dry—this foolproof method for cooking chicken breasts in a pan works every single time. Use paper towels to pat the chicken breasts dry—this helps get a great sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil and heat for 1–2 minutes, until it shimmers.
Can you cook bone in chicken breast on a skillet?
Yes, you can cook bone-in chicken breast on a skillet. However, the cooking time may be slightly longer than boneless chicken breasts. 9. Should I butterfly the chicken breast for skillet cooking? Butterflying the chicken breast can help it cook faster and more evenly.
How long do you cook chicken on a stove?
You’ll cook chicken breast on the stove for roughly 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway through the cook time. What Kind of Pan Should I Use for Chicken on the Stove?