Oven-Baked, Pan-Seared Chicken Perfection

Pan-seared chicken is a quick and easy meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The key to getting a good sear is using a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots. You'll want to preheat your skillet to medium-high heat and add a thin coating of oil or cooking spray to the pan. For a simple seasoning, you can use salt, pepper, and garlic powder, but feel free to experiment with other spices and herbs.

When pan-searing chicken, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Smaller, thinner chicken breasts will take less time to cook, around 4-5 minutes per side, while thicker breasts will take longer, up to 8 minutes per side. Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165ºF before serving.

Once your chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and ensure your chicken stays juicy and tender. Enjoy your perfectly pan-seared chicken!

How to season chicken breasts

There are many ways to season chicken breasts, and the best method will depend on your personal preference and what other ingredients you plan to use. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most flavour out of your chicken.

Choosing your seasonings

A simple way to season chicken breasts is to use a combination of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder to this mixture for extra flavour. Other popular seasoning combinations include lemon pepper, Montreal steak seasoning, and garlic herb seasoning. If you want to get creative, you can make your own blend of seasonings and spices. For example, you could use coarse kosher sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and herbs like Herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning.

Preparing the chicken

Before seasoning, you can prepare the chicken breasts by poking holes in them with a cake tester or toothpick. This technique helps the meat absorb the seasonings and promotes even cooking. You can also pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, which ensures even cooking and faster cooking times.

Seasoning the chicken

Once your seasonings are ready and your chicken is prepared, it's time to season the chicken. Sprinkle your chosen blend of seasonings and spices liberally over each side of the chicken breasts. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for maximum flavour.

Cooking the chicken

After seasoning, you can cook the chicken using your preferred method, such as pan-searing, baking, grilling, or poaching. When cooking, it's important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety.

Resting the chicken

Once your chicken is cooked, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your chicken is juicy and tender.

Storing and reheating

If you have leftovers, cooked chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. When reheating, use the oven or microwave to ensure thorough cooking.

How to know when chicken is done

There are several ways to know when chicken is done cooking. The most common method is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It's important to ensure that the thermometer is inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching any bone. Checking the temperature in multiple spots can also help avoid issues if you're not experienced with cooking chicken.

If you don't have a meat thermometer, there are some visual cues you can use to determine if the chicken is done. Firstly, you can check the colour of the juices by piercing the thickest part of the chicken with a knife or fork. If the juices are clear, the chicken is likely done. If they are pink, the chicken needs more time to cook. Additionally, you can check the size of the chicken. The proteins in chicken will shrink as it cooks, so if the chicken is still the same size as its raw state, it may need more time.

Other methods for checking doneness include the "finger test" and cutting into the chicken to check for pink meat. However, these methods may not be as accurate as using a meat thermometer and can result in loss of juices, leading to dry chicken.

Chicken breast cooking time

Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

The cooking time for chicken breasts depends on their thickness, the heat used, and the cookware. A boneless chicken breast that is about one inch thick will take about 8 minutes per side over medium-low heat. Thinner chicken breasts, on the other hand, will cook much faster, taking about 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat.

It is important to note that the target temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). However, for extra juicy chicken, some people prefer to take it off the heat at around 162°F (72°C) as the internal temperature will continue to rise while the chicken rests.

Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

Oven-baked chicken breasts should be cooked at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. However, thicker chicken breasts may take longer, and it is always important to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Chicken breast cooking temperature

The ideal cooking temperature for chicken breasts is 165ºF. This is the internal temperature that the meat needs to reach to be considered safe to eat. However, some recipes suggest removing the chicken from the heat source when it reaches 160ºF-163ºF, as the temperature will continue to rise as the meat rests.

Pan-Searing Chicken Breasts

Pan-searing is a popular method for cooking chicken breasts as it creates a nice, golden brown crust on the outside of the meat, adding flavour and texture. It is also a quick and easy way to cook chicken, making it a good option for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

To pan-sear chicken breasts, first, pound the chicken to an even thickness of around 1 inch. This helps the meat cook more evenly. Then, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. Next, heat a large skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat and add a thin coating of oil or cooking spray. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for around 4-5 minutes on each side, turning once, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Breasts

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is cooked properly.
• For thicker chicken breasts, lower the heat to medium-low and increase the cook time to prevent the outside from burning.
• For thinner chicken breasts, increase the heat to medium and decrease the cook time to achieve browning.
• Do not cover the pan while cooking, as this will cause the chicken to steam instead of sear.
• Always pat the chicken dry with paper towels before adding it to the pan.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to distribute heat evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Only flip the chicken once to help create a golden crust.
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

Chicken breast cooking techniques

Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts

This is a fast and easy method for cooking chicken breasts, resulting in a lot of delicious browning on the outside of the meat. You can also change the seasoning each time to make it taste new.

To cook chicken breasts in a pan:

• Use boneless chicken breasts, with or without the skin.
• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them cook more evenly.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or a seasoning mix of your choice.
• Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat and add a thin coating of oil or cooking spray.
• Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-8 minutes on each side, depending on their thickness, turning only once. The internal temperature should reach 165ºF.
• For extra juicy chicken, add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet and flip the chicken a couple of times to coat.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

This method is best for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts. It results in juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken.

To bake chicken breasts in the oven:

• Brine the chicken breasts in lukewarm saltwater for 15 minutes to make them extra juicy. Rinse and pat them dry.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F.
• Brush the chicken breasts with melted butter or olive oil on both sides.
• Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, or your preferred seasoning mix.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Poached Chicken Breasts

Poaching chicken breasts can be tricky, as it is easy to overcook them. This method infuses the cooking liquid with flavor to season the chicken gently.

To poach chicken breasts:

• Place the chicken breasts in a shallow pot with enough cold water to cover them.
• Add aromatics to the pot, such as lemon slices, peppercorns, bay leaf, fresh herbs, garlic, sliced onions, and salt.
• Turn the heat to medium-high and bring the water to a simmer.
• Reduce the heat to just below a simmer and set a timer for 10 minutes.
• Use a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Remove the chicken from the poaching liquid when it reaches 155°F.
• Let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions