Master the Art of Juicy Chicken Breast: Cook 1lb with Butter for a Perfect Meal
Chicken breasts cooked with butter are always a great choice! Today, I’ll share a simple method to cook chicken breasts with butter that results in a juicy, flavorful meal. Let’s dive in and see how it’s done!
Chef's Tips
Choose High-Quality Chicken Breasts
Start by selecting thick-cut chicken breasts. These tend to be more tender. If you’re worried that the chicken breasts might not absorb enough flavor due to their thickness, you can cut them in half or gently pound them to ensure even thickness. This not only helps the meat absorb the seasoning but also ensures even cooking, making it easier to lock in the juices.
Marinate in Advance
Chicken breasts can be a bit dry, so marinating them before cooking is key. I recommend using a simple marinade of salt, black pepper, and lemon juice for 15-30 minutes. Marinating helps tenderize the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy.
Low and Slow Cooking with Butter
Before cooking, add a small chunk of butter to your pan and heat it over medium-low heat until it melts and releases a lovely aroma. Then, add the chicken breasts, keeping the heat low. Let them cook slowly for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. If you’re worried about the chicken drying out, add a little more butter when flipping to help it soak in and stay juicy.
Let the Chicken “Rest”
Once cooked, resist the urge to cut the chicken right away! Let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender. This step is really important – a little patience goes a long way in ensuring your chicken is extra juicy!
Final Seasoning for Extra Flavor
To take the flavor up a notch, sprinkle some herbs like rosemary or parsley on top, or drizzle with a little lemon juice to add brightness. Pair with some simple veggies or rice, and you've got a mouthwatering chicken breast dinner!
With these easy steps, you’ll be able to make perfectly juicy chicken breasts with butter that are anything but dry. The rich butter flavor will make every bite satisfying. Give it a try – this simple yet delicious dish is sure to become a favorite!
How long does it take to cook a 1lb chicken breast?
The cooking time for chicken breasts depends on their thickness, whether they’re bone-in, and your cooking method. Typically, it takes about 10-20 minutes to cook chicken breasts, but timing is crucial if you want them tender and not dry! Here’s a breakdown of cooking times based on different methods to help you get it just right.
Whole Chicken Breasts (Boiling)
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it will take about 12-15 minutes to cook. Place the chicken in a pot of cold water, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 10-12 minutes. Test with a fork or knife – if the juices run clear, the chicken is done.
Tip: After cooking, don’t take the chicken out immediately. Let it rest in the hot water for 5 minutes to ensure it stays tender and moist.
Cubed or Sliced Chicken Breasts (Boiling)
If your chicken is cut into cubes or thin slices, it’ll cook much faster – usually just 5-7 minutes. Add the chicken once the water is boiling and keep it at a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally for even cooking. Again, check the juices – they should be clear when the chicken is done.
Bone-In Chicken Breasts (Boiling)
Bone-in chicken breasts take longer to cook, about 18-20 minutes. Simmer on low heat to ensure the meat becomes tender and flavorful. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
Sous Vide (Low-Temperature Cooking)
For the juiciest, most tender chicken, sous vide cooking is a fantastic option. Seal the chicken breasts in a vacuum bag with a little salt, black pepper, and olive oil or butter. Set the water temperature to 140-149°F (60-65°C) and cook for 1-1.5 hours. Afterward, sear the chicken quickly in a hot pan for added texture.
Quickly Check If the Chicken Is Done
Temperature Method: Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), it's safe to eat.
Cutting Method: If the inside of the chicken is completely white (no pink) and the juices run clear, it’s fully cooked.
What is the best way to cook chicken breasts to keep them moist?
Many people struggle with keeping chicken breasts moist during cooking. Here are some tips to help:
Pre-Cooking Tips
Brining: Soak the chicken in a saltwater solution (1 liter of water with about 10 grams of salt) for 2-3 hours. This helps the chicken absorb moisture and stay juicy during cooking.
Sous Vide: This method is ideal for retaining moisture. Seal the chicken in a bag and cook it in water at 60-65°C (140-149°F) for 40-90 minutes.
Meat Tenderizer: Adding tenderizer powder to your marinade can also help lock in moisture and make the chicken more tender.
Cooking Tips
Pan-Frying: Heat the pan thoroughly before adding oil. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken over high heat for 1-2 minutes to form a crust that locks in the juices, then lower the heat to cook through for 3-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Oven Roasting: Bake chicken breasts at 180-200°C (350-400°F), brushing the chicken with olive oil to prevent moisture loss. Flip once or twice while baking for an even cook, usually for 15-30 minutes depending on size.
Steaming: Steam chicken breasts by placing them in a steamer basket, covering the pan, and cooking over medium heat for 10-20 minutes. Let them sit in the pan for an additional 3-5 minutes after cooking for extra moisture.
Post-Cooking Tips
Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest covered for a few minutes. This redistributes the juices and prevents them from spilling out when cut, keeping it moist.
Saucing: If you have any leftover sauce or broth, brush it over the chicken to add moisture and flavor.
How do you keep chicken breast from drying out when cooking?
Marinate: Use ingredients like milk, lemon juice, or olive oil to marinate the chicken, helping it retain moisture.
Monitor Cooking Temperature: Avoid cooking over high heat for long periods. Use medium heat for a faster, juicier cook.
Low-Temperature Cooking: Slow-cooking methods like baking at low temperatures or sous vide can help keep the chicken moist.
Pound or Slice the Chicken: Thinly sliced or pounded chicken cooks faster and more evenly, preventing dryness.
Add Liquids: During cooking, add liquids like water, broth, or wine to the pan to create steam and keep the chicken moist.
Avoid Overcooking: Once the chicken hits 165°F (74°C), it’s done. Overcooking dries it out.
Rest Before Cutting: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking for better moisture retention.
Use Plastic Wrap: Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap before cooking to lock in moisture.
Pair with Sauce: If the chicken ends up a little dry, a good sauce, like honey mustard or creamy mushroom sauce, can help improve the texture.
How to cook chicken breast in a pan?
Cooking chicken breasts in a skillet is simple. Here’s how:
First, take the chicken breasts out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Moisture will cause oil to splatter and prevent the chicken from searing properly. After drying, season the chicken with salt, black pepper, soy sauce, cooking wine, or other preferred spices and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Next, heat a thick-bottomed skillet and add a bit of oil (olive oil or corn oil work well). Once the oil is hot and slightly smoking, carefully add the chicken breasts, taking care not to splash the hot oil. Let the chicken sear on one side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step is crucial for locking in the juices.
Once the first side is golden, flip the chicken over and lower the heat. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. If the chicken is thicker, extend the cooking time to 3-5 minutes per side. Check the chicken’s doneness by gently pressing the thickest part with chopsticks; if no blood comes out, it’s done. Don’t remove the chicken right away – turn off the heat and let it rest in the skillet for 2-3 minutes to finish cooking evenly.
Finally, serve the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures juicy, tender chicken. Add a squeeze of lemon or serve with your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
How to Avoid Chicken Breast Sticking to the Pan?
Choose the Right Pan
When cooking chicken breast, choose a skillet with a smooth surface and a thicker bottom. Non-stick pans work best, as they greatly reduce the chance of the chicken sticking.
Prepare the Chicken Properly
Pat It Dry: Always dry the chicken breast thoroughly with paper towels. This prevents splattering and helps avoid sticking.
Marinate with Oil: When marinating the chicken, adding a little olive oil can create a protective layer on the surface of the meat, which helps prevent it from sticking.
Hot Pan, Cold Oil
This is a key step! Heat the skillet first, then add the cold oil. Wait until the oil is hot before placing the chicken in the pan. This creates a smooth protective coating that helps prevent sticking.
Don’t Flip Too Often
Once the chicken is in the skillet, resist the urge to flip it too early. Let it sit undisturbed until one side is golden brown, then flip it over. This allows the chicken to form a crispy outer layer, which helps prevent sticking.
Control the Heat
Cook the chicken on medium-low heat. Avoid using high heat, as it can cause the outside to burn while the inside remains raw.
Cover and Let It Rest
After the first side turns golden, cover the pan and let the chicken cook for 2-3 minutes to help the interior cook through and retain moisture. This also reduces the chances of sticking.
Adjust the Thickness
If the chicken breast is particularly thick, gently pound it with the back of a knife to flatten it slightly. This ensures even cooking and reduces the likelihood of sticking.
