Blending Chicken Breasts: The Best Cooking Methods

Chicken breasts are a versatile and healthy staple, but they can easily become dry and flavourless if overcooked. The best way to cook chicken breasts for blending is to poach them. This is a gentle method that will ensure your chicken stays tender and juicy.

To poach chicken breasts, place them in a saucepan and cover with water by about an inch. Add aromatics such as bay leaves, peppercorns, parsley, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and poach the chicken for 10-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-165°F.

You can also bake or pan-fry your chicken breasts before blending. Baking is a hands-off method that delivers juicy results, while pan-frying creates a delicious, crispy crust. However, both of these methods can dry out the chicken if not done properly, so be sure to follow a recipe and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

How to cook chicken breast in a pan

Preparation

Firstly, you'll want to decide whether to cook boneless or bone-in chicken breasts. Boneless chicken breasts are quicker to cook and are the focus of this guide, but bone-in breasts can be cooked in a pan with the aid of an oven.

If you're cooking boneless chicken breasts, you may want to use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness of around 1 inch. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and quickly.

Next, you'll want to season the chicken. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is fine, but you can also try a mix of spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried basil, or steak seasoning.

Cooking

Add your choice of cooking oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-low heat. You'll know the oil is hot enough when you can feel the heat by placing your hand near the pan.

Place your chicken breasts in the pan and cook without moving them for around 5-8 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. You should hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan; if you don't, the oil isn't hot enough.

Flip the chicken and cook the other side for another 5-8 minutes, or until a meat thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips

• You can add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and flip the chicken a couple of times to coat it for a richer flavor.
• If you're cooking more than two chicken breasts, cook them in batches of two to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Avoid washing raw chicken as this can spread bacteria.

How to bake chicken breast

Baking chicken breasts is a great way to cook them, but it can be easy to overcook them, resulting in dry, rubbery meat. Here's a guide to getting juicy, tender chicken breasts every time.

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper)

Method:

• Brine: This step is optional but recommended, especially if your chicken isn't pre-brined. Dissolve a handful of salt in a bowl of lukewarm water. Add the chicken and let it sit for at least 15 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours. Remove the chicken, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
• Brush: Brush the chicken breasts with melted butter or olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and ensure the seasonings stick.
• Rub: Sprinkle salt and pepper, or your chosen seasonings, over the chicken breasts.
• Roast: For juicy, tender chicken, roast at a high temperature (425°F/220-230°C) for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the breasts. Use a cooking thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165°F.
• Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is a crucial step to ensure the chicken stays juicy.

Tips:

• Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F, but taking it out of the oven at 160°F and letting it rest will give you a perfect finish.
• For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking.
• Use similarly-sized chicken breasts to ensure even cooking.

Storage:

Baked chicken breasts will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. For easier reheating, slice or shred before freezing.

Chicken breast recipes for dinner

Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some recipes for chicken breast dinners:

Baked Chicken Breasts

This recipe involves baking chicken breasts in the oven with a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The key to this recipe is brining the chicken in lukewarm water and salt for 15 minutes before baking, which makes the chicken extra juicy. After brining, the chicken is brushed with butter or olive oil and seasoned. It is then baked at a high temperature of 450°F for 15-18 minutes, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

This method is ideal for boneless chicken breasts and involves cooking the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. The chicken is seasoned with a classic smoky blend of steak seasoning, smoked paprika, and sweet paprika. It is then cooked on medium-low heat for about 8 minutes per side for thick chicken breasts or 4-5 minutes per side for thin chicken breasts. This technique yields juicy, flavorful, and tender chicken with delicious browning on the outside.

Honey Chicken Stir-Fry

A quick and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights. Chicken breasts are stir-fried with frozen broccoli and a sauce made from honey, soy sauce, and garlic. The dish is served over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cheesy Chicken Parmigiana

A classic dish that is easy to make at home. Chicken breasts are coated in seasoned bread crumbs and cooked in oil for about five minutes per side. Melted mozzarella cheese is then added on top, and the dish is served with tomato sauce and pasta, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash.

Honey Garlic Chicken Breast

A quick and easy chicken breast recipe with a magic five-ingredient honey garlic sauce! The chicken is cut into steaks, dusted with flour, and seared in a skillet. Butter, garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, and honey are added to create a flavorful sauce. The dish is ready in just 12 minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights.

Baked Tuscan Chicken Breasts

A creamy and comforting chicken breast recipe with Italian-inspired flavors. The chicken is flattened to ensure even cooking and seasoned with oil, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and pepper. It is baked in the oven with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, cornstarch, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Spinach is stirred into the sauce after baking, and the dish is served over pasta or mashed potatoes.

Chicken breast basics

Chicken breasts are a versatile protein that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and tricks to help you cook juicy and tender chicken breasts every time.

Choosing Chicken Breasts

When selecting chicken breasts, you can choose between boneless and skinless chicken breasts or bone-in chicken breasts. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick cooking methods such as pan-searing, baking, or grilling. On the other hand, bone-in chicken breasts are better suited for slower cooking methods like roasting or slow cooking.

Preparing Chicken Breasts for Cooking

Before cooking, it is essential to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts. Additionally, seasoning the chicken breasts is crucial to enhancing their flavour. You can use a variety of spices, herbs, or marinades to add flavour to the chicken. Brining the chicken breasts in a saltwater solution for 15 minutes to a few hours can also make them juicier.

Cooking Methods for Chicken Breasts

There are several cooking methods that you can use to cook chicken breasts:

• Baking or Roasting: This method involves cooking the chicken breasts in an oven at a high temperature, typically around 450°F, for about 15-18 minutes. This creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
• Pan-Searing: Pan-searing is a quick and easy method that gives the chicken breasts a delicious browning on the outside. It is best suited for boneless chicken breasts and requires cooking them over medium to medium-low heat for about 8 minutes per side.
• Grilling: Grilling chicken breasts gives them a smoky flavour and attractive grill marks. It is best to grill chicken breasts over medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Slow Cooking: This method is ideal for bone-in chicken breasts as it allows them to cook slowly and become tender. You can use a slow cooker or an oven set to a low temperature for several hours.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Breasts

• Always preheat your oven or grill before cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and prevent dryness.
• Be creative with your seasonings and marinades to add flavour to the chicken.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different cooking methods and find the ones that work best for you.

How to cook moist and tender chicken breast

Step 1: Brining (Optional)

Before cooking, you can brine the chicken breasts to make them even juicier. To do this, fill a large bowl with lukewarm water and stir in a handful of salt until it dissolves. Add the chicken breasts and let them sit in the saltwater for at least 15 minutes. If you're preparing this in advance, you can cover and refrigerate the bowl for up to 6 hours. After brining, rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Seasoning

Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or any other spices and herbs of your choice. You can also dredge the chicken in flour before cooking if you want a subtle crust.

Step 3: Heating the Pan

Heat a frying pan large enough to fit the chicken in a single layer over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add olive oil or butter, and swirl the pan to coat it lightly with the oil.

Step 4: Cooking the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook undisturbed for about 1 minute to help them get a little golden on one side. Then, flip each chicken breast over. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 5: Resting the Chicken

After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the chicken rest in the covered pan for another 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.

Step 6: Checking the Temperature

After the resting period, uncover the pan and check that the chicken is done. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F, and there should be no pink in the middle of the breasts. Slice and serve the chicken as desired.

Tips:

• For best results, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
• If you're using thicker chicken breasts, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• Always make sure your chicken is thoroughly cooked before consuming it.

Frequently asked questions