Covering Pan When Roasting Chicken Breasts

Whether or not you should cover the pan when roasting chicken breasts depends on the method you're using. If you're pan-roasting, you'll want to sear the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop before finishing it in the oven. In this case, you should leave the pan uncovered. However, if you're cooking the chicken entirely on the stovetop, you can cover the pan to ensure even cooking.

Pan-roasting chicken breasts: a two-part process

Pan-roasting chicken breasts is a simple and delicious way to cook chicken. It is a two-part process that involves searing the chicken in a pan on the stove and then finishing it in the oven. This method ensures that the chicken is golden brown on the outside and juicy in the middle. Here is a step-by-step guide to pan-roasting chicken breasts:

Part 1: Searing the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as steak seasoning, smoked paprika, or sweet paprika.

Heat a skillet, preferably oven-safe, on medium-high heat. Add cooking oil or butter to the pan and swirl to coat the surface. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts into the pan, skin-side down.

Let the chicken cook without moving it until the skin is deep golden brown and crisp. This should take around 5-6 minutes. Then, flip the chicken and add any additional ingredients, such as butter and fresh herbs like thyme, to the pan.

Part 2: Finishing in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to an oven preheated to 400°F (204°C). Cook the chicken until it is cooked through. For boneless chicken breasts, this should take around 10-15 minutes. If you are using an instant-read meat thermometer, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.

While the chicken is cooking in the oven, you can baste it with the melted butter and pan juices to keep it moist.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Serve with the pan juices and your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or mashed cauliflower.

Tips for Pan-Roasting Chicken Breasts:

• It is recommended to use boneless, skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can also use bone-in breasts or skin-on chicken thighs.
• Thick chicken breasts will take longer to cook through than thin chicken breasts, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
• You can use a cast-iron skillet for pan-roasting chicken, as it conducts heat evenly and creates a beautiful sear on the chicken.
• Always use an oven-safe thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature of 165°F.

The benefits of cooking with a cast iron skillet

Whether or not you cover the pan when roasting chicken breasts depends on the recipe you are following. Some recipes recommend covering the chicken breasts with a lid and keeping them on the stove, while others suggest finishing the chicken in the oven.

Durability

Cast iron is incredibly durable and long-lasting. It is made to withstand high temperatures and can be used on any heat source, including kitchen stovetops, outdoor grills, and open campfires. With proper care, a cast-iron skillet can last a lifetime.

Heat Retention

Cast iron has excellent heat retention properties, which is ideal for cooking techniques such as searing steak, as it allows for higher heat and better browning. Cast iron is also suitable for roasting vegetables, as it ensures even cooking and flavorful results.

Non-Stick Coating

Cast iron skillets can develop a natural non-stick coating over time with proper seasoning and use. This makes cast iron versatile and easy to clean. Unlike traditional non-stick pans with Teflon or ceramic coatings, the non-stick surface on cast iron can be reapplied through the seasoning process.

Affordability

Cast iron skillets are often sold at affordable prices and, due to their durability, can be considered a long-term investment. They are readily available in retail kitchen stores, thrift stores, and second-hand shops.

Versatility

Cast iron skillets come in various shapes and sizes, and can be used for a wide range of cooking techniques such as browning, sautéing, baking, and frying. They can also be used for serving, adding a rustic and aesthetically pleasing touch to your table setting.

How to season chicken breasts

There are many ways to season chicken breasts, and it's a great way to ensure your chicken is juicy and full of flavour. Here is a simple method for seasoning and cooking chicken breasts in a pan.

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You will need:

• Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• Oil (avocado, grapeseed, canola, or olive oil)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning)

Optional ingredients:

• Butter
• Fresh herbs (e.g. thyme, parsley, rosemary)

Next, prepare your chicken breasts. Tenderise the meat by poking 10-15 holes in each breast using a cake tester or a toothpick. This will help the meat absorb the seasonings and stay juicy.

In a small bowl, mix your seasonings. Sprinkle this blend liberally over each side of the chicken breasts. You can make a large batch of this seasoning blend and store it in a sealed container to use for future recipes.

Heat a generous drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a nice golden brown crust forms.

Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and place it in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18-22 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Remove the chicken from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken more tender.

Your seasoned chicken breasts are now ready to serve!

Variations and Tips

• You can use a variety of seasonings on your chicken breasts, such as lemon pepper, Montreal steak seasoning, or garlic herb seasoning.
• For extra flavour, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and flip the chicken a few times to coat it.
• If using bone-in chicken breasts, they will take longer to cook through, so consider using the oven to ensure the meat is cooked evenly.
• Always ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165 °F.
• You can also grill, fry, bake, or poach your chicken breasts for different results.

How to clean and care for a cast iron pan

Cast iron pans are affordable, durable, and versatile. With the proper care, they can last for decades. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean and care for your cast iron pan:

Step 1: Wash the Cast Iron Pan

• Wash your cast iron pan by hand with warm water and a small amount of soap immediately after use. Use a nylon scrubbing brush or a pan scraper to remove any stuck-on food. You can also use a non-scratch sponge or the synthetic scrubber on the back of many kitchen sponges.
• For stubborn, stuck-on food, simmer a little water for 3-5 minutes, then use the scraper after the pan has cooled.
• If you have scorched some nasty stuff into the pan, you can pour salt into it, set it over high heat, and rub the charred gunk out with some paper towels. The salt acts as a safe abrasive for the seasoning, and the heat helps carbonize any remaining food, making it easier to scrub away. Then, rinse out the salt and wash the pan.

Step 2: Dry the Cast Iron Pan Thoroughly

• Water can cause rust on cast iron, so it is important to dry the pan promptly and thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
• To ensure that the pan is completely dry, place it on the stove and gently heat it until all the water evaporates.

Step 3: Oil Lightly and Heat the Cast Iron Pan

• After drying, rub a very light layer of cooking oil or seasoning spray onto the surface of the pan. Use a paper towel to wipe the surface until no oil residue remains.
• Place the pan back on the stove over high heat and leave it for a couple of minutes until it is heated through and lightly smoking. This step helps to prime the pan for its next use by adding a bonus layer of protective seasoning.
• Alternatively, you can put the pan in the oven upside down on the top rack and place a baking sheet or aluminum foil on the bottom rack to catch any excess oil. Bake at 450-500 degrees F for one hour.

Note: It is not recommended to soak, put your cast iron pan in the dishwasher, or use steel wool or a metal scrubber, as these can damage the seasoning and cause rust. If your pan does develop rust, you can remove it by scouring the rusty areas with warm, soapy water and steel wool, then re-seasoning the pan.

How long to cook chicken breasts in a skillet

The cooking time for chicken breasts in a skillet can vary depending on the thickness of the meat, the heat level, and the type of cookware used. A meat thermometer can be used to ensure the chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165ºF.

For thicker chicken breasts, it is recommended to cook at a lower temperature to avoid burning the outside before the inside is cooked. For a boneless chicken breast that is about one inch thick, cook for around 8 minutes on each side over medium-low heat.

If you are using thin chicken breasts, or have pounded the breasts to a thickness of around half an inch, increase the heat to medium and cook for around 4-5 minutes on each side. This will allow you to achieve some browning on the outside while ensuring the inside is cooked.

One recipe recommends searing the chicken in an oven-safe skillet on the stovetop, and then finishing it in the oven. First, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, and any other seasonings of your choice. Heat oil in the skillet over medium-high heat, and then place the chicken skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook without moving until the skin is golden brown and crisp, which should take around 6 minutes. Flip the chicken, add butter and thyme, and then spoon the melted butter over the chicken several times. Transfer the skillet to an oven preheated to 400° F (204° C) and cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165° F, which should take 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions