How to Cook Chicken Breasts on the Stovetop

In this video, we share our classic method for how to cook chicken breasts on the stovetop, so they'll be moist and tender, every time. The secret? Trust! Hosted by Faith Durand.
For more tips, tricks, and inspiration on cooking and eating at home, be sure to subscribe to our channel: / thekitchn
Video by Rebecca Blumhagen for www.thekitchn.com. Cinematography Lukasz Pruchnik, Sound/Editing Christopher Broe.

[@EM-cz4rd]

The basic process in this video is perfect. It works every time. However a couple of comments - 1) more seasoning. Don’t be afraid to go a bit heavier on salt and pepper. Also add any spices you like. Paprika and garlic powder are good options. 2) get a better sear than she did. 3) when you pound chicken please cover with plastic or, like I do, put it on a large ziplock before pounding. You do not want any chicken “juice” to splatter… it’s a good way to get sick. And definitely don’t use the bottom of a jar directly on raw chicken. If you do, wash with soap and hot water. Blows my mind what I see on actual cooking channels sometimes. Bottom line - This recipe works! It’s better and way easier than sous-vide which I used to do and it’s so much simpler!!

[@BellyLaugher]

Good points re: raw chx splattering, BUT plastic in the plastic wrap leeches into the chx (contains estrogen-mimickers, etc). Might be better to use formaldehyde-free wax paper, or thick kitchen white "tea towel" that can go right into washer...

[@debbiebrendel9055]

Don’t have tight lid

[@JasDCornelius]

​@@BellyLaugher Another day, another food conspiracy theorist.

[@vanshnukala2663]

seasoning burns

[@alancrome3684]

Great points, tbh there Are definitely meals or things I could see not having a heavy sear would be good or fine(Like a sandwhich lol idk). But I wonder if they didn't go so crazy on the sear because not everyone has a pan to achieve that level of stainless steel/cast iron pan type. This kind of video makes you feel good when learning to cook that you did it right in the first place, you cooked edible chicken that is juicy and taste good, maybe not restaurant level super cook chicken, but absolutely still appetizing, unlike dry and leathery lool.. Now you can move on and learn how to make it better!

[@coolreem]

I am an aspiring bodybuilder and for the life of me every single workout regimen has "chicken breasts". I have tried baking, stewing, and all sorts of methods to make them taste good and juicy. None of them worked. But, when I tried this method above, I was over the hill. Not only does this work perfectly, but the chicken breasts are super juicy and tasty. You will not go wrong with this method. Thank you!

[@javierflores6691]

Your coment inspired me to give it a try

[@jjmaster333]

You built now?

[@chadlowe3103]

Same here hahaha

[@drewputtbach3396]

Just stop that chicken looks terrible

[@Serendipity.Nicole]

@@drewputtbach3396I agree, she needs more sear and seasoning. We don’t have to hate on the poor girl, but it’s true it didn’t look great in the end but this builders comment got me to try this method and I’m grateful I dug into the comments to try this way. My bulking husband only wants chicken breast and I’ve been failing at every recipe until this one. I seasoned well with turmeric S&P with an addition of a rosemary sprig in the pan and got a quality sear - this method was perfect!

[@vanessaxiong9291]

That chicken looks nothing like the thumbnail photo of the video

[@GlowingGirl37]

just tried this method for my first time ever cooking chicken and it was so good it was even better than my mom makes, i will use this every week for my meal prep!!

[@jordanheilmann3533]

Well if that ain’t the blandest piece of chicken I ever saw lol

[@TheNecessaryEvil]

Put it back in your pants and try a different hooker

[@DoYouNeedHelp...]

These are amazing! I uses this for my first time making chicken breasts and I still use for every other time to life saver!

[@jjray6867]

What seasoning? I only seen a dab of salt n pepper that’s not enough I would use different seasonings but everyone has there on preference good for u

[@friskaygames]

Use your own be creative…

[@PlatinumHustle]

😂😂😂

[@PlatinumHustle]

U seen the skin tone

[@x_gotfire_x2231]

the video is about how to cook not how to season😂

[@sadface5041]

​@@PlatinumHustle lmao hell nawwww😅

[@davidgregory2001]

I’ve been looking for a good way to cook chicken and I FOUND IT!! Thank you for sharing, it turned out great!

[@joeforrest8330]

You gotta have Faith, 20 minutes and a skillet to prepare the easiest, juiciest, greatest chicken recipe on KZbin. Then add it in to any Mediterranean, oriental, southwestern, etc., meal for one tasty dish. And BIG thanks Faith, for the cut-to-chase instructional (and idiot-proof, lol) video. Comes out delicious every time!

[@HNIN1973]

Thank you so much, you taught me how to cook chicken. I've been cooking it this way for about 2-3 weeks now and it's the best chicken I've ever had.

[@aquariushmb]

This method works. Every time. I am am happy about it !

[@ZFnr4y058mr]

THIS IS AMAZING! Tried it last night and it was perfect, simple and I didn’t have to babysit it.

[@DustyMora]

Very tasty dish!

[@homerjcadena5586]

Thank You. I bought a package of 6. It was easy to cook this way and store away to eat when I was ready. It was tasty and simple. Thanks again

[@sonyalal5685]

I used this recipe and it was amazing thank you for sharing this video

[@dianeleone1634]

Very surprising. I followed your recipe to a tee.. It worked, I did not peak. Thank you💜

[@matthewmoore938]

I can’t remember the last time I’ve commented on a KZbin video, if I ever have….but MAN this works so well!!! No more dry chicken!

[@joelnkoki8212]

It works amazingly

[@doug_errickson]

Thanks!!! Best video, and I've watched a bunch. My chicken was superb, temped out great when checked and was nice and juicy. Thank you!

[@Boddissatva]

This really works! Thank you

[@katelynnbrown298]

SEASON THE CHICKEN PLEASE 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@moondogdogersvids]

didn't she put salt on it? I think she said "salt and pepper"... But yes, either way, s&p all OVER those breasteses

[@waynepond1869]

Melaninated individual

[@Futurefighter09]

It need some Mrs dash on there

[@aaliyah328]

@@waynepond1869unseasoned individual

[@Cosmos42011]

Agreed 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@lukerobinson9061]

Very useful video it was amazing it was for Mother’s Day

[@yvie0136]

Perfection.Thank you ❤

[@user-ht5io8bg3u]

It came out HOLY!!!!!!!!!

[@markw208]

Thanks for your video. I was skeptical, your method worked. It seems like I overcook everything. Using your method I won’t overcook again

[@yourztrulyandy]

I’ve never cooked chicken breast before but wow did it come out good! What I did differently was just a bit more seasoning than she did but either way! It was bomb!

[@maxismakingstuff]

perfect chicken, thank you!

[@squishll6158]

Very easy and great way to make chicken

[@michaelh5967]

Noob cook question: I am paranoid about food borne illness and am trying to make sure this chicken is fully cooked after trying this method for the first time. I put my thermometer in and it didn't break 140 degrees anywhere I tried. Question is, does the 10 mins of simmering after you turn the burner off affect this reading? Like if I'd checked it right after cooking would it have been 165 and safe? Ngl just eyeballing it I'm not sure if I got it fully cooked this first round...

[@Nicole-wp6vx]

Does this work with marinated chicken?

[@DustyMora]

I love short videos! Great job!

[@gaa2468]

Thank you

[@superperfectt]

golden brown?

[@bw5762]

Wonderful. I had dried chicken breasts

[@SKIMSPersonalShopper]

Thanks

[@joey3173lol]

Ain’t no way boi ain’t no way . In my mind I was joking saying “watch her only put the Salt and Pepper” .. THEN SHE REALLY MFKN DID IT ! 🤯😞💀 hellll naaw 👐🏾

[@wythemonster5646]

😂 I feel like I should trust you based solely on the smoothness of your voice.

[@The0ptimus]

Apparently this video is missing the step of putting seasonings and lemon juice on the breasts before cooking, but I still appreciate this! Thank you!

[@tarclips2585]

I added garlic onion and choicken griddle seasoning but good

[@harrisonclark4382]

Will it work if you leave the skin on?

[@ItsMe-lt6up]

I trusted you and my chicken was raw as fuc* after cooking it for 10min

[@Eric149498]

Same thing happened to me. It was nowhere near cooked fully lol

[@PaulinasKitchenCanbyVioletta]

I have chronic illness, and Im always looking for new ways to cook juicy and not dry chicken breast. Aside from cooking teriyaki chicken this is a good idea to cook a moist and tender chicken breast. I am planning to cook chicken breast tomortow that is why I made a search on how to cook chicken breast, thus, I found this video. Better than poaching. For seasoning, less seasonings means tasting the natural taste of chicken breast or any meat as it is, not overwhelmed with too much seasonings or additives. Like beef steaks should not be overseasoned, otherwise, it will not taste like beef anymore.

[@xxxild]

I've used a version of this recipe where, after a min or two on the first side on medium, flip, cover the pan, and take off the stove. Wait 10 mins. Uncover.

[@WyzrdCat]

mmmmmm thanks for this

[@jhaimp.sullivan5618]

Damn that shyt look good

[@RayUp]

New sub here…dinner was great tonight!…thanks for sharing really…you just got a 👍+1…thanks for the opportunity & keep it going!… #Strongertogether💯

[@gregives6351]

Do you not turn the chicken over?

[@user-hw4ii9to8w]

I don't cook, Thank you, It works ! wow

[@alkelenson648]

I'm going to try this- with my glass lid so I don't have to peek😃

[@Priscilla_Banks]

This was so good! I love cooking my chicken this way now! ❤

[@luciferpain1661]

Thank you so much best chicken and fastest way to learn 5 stars for this vid

[@one-eyedsam2186]

Cover your chicken breast in plastic wrap before pounding it out, to prevent salmonella contamination on EVERY FRICKEN SURFACE IN YOUR KITCHEN!

[@thecolourrose9022]

People saying unseasoned need to go back to school salt and pepper is seasoning, basic but is seasoning.

[@inlinisteanoptil]

for anyone planning to cook this please save yourself the pain of the results following this vid will get you and sear on both sides first after seasoning well, then baste the chicken multiple times in butter/oil in the pan while cooking so inside shows some signs of moisture and life. Chicken doesn't take 20 mins to cook throughout. If it's pink in the middle it's probably raw

[@MrQwerty2524]

So I tried this. And it works well! However, you gotta season it properly. Not a bit of salt and pepper. I do not understand how anyone could eat chicken with just a bit of salt and pepper... absolutely outrageous and I see it all the time on youtube. Truly mind boggling.

[@dannychenski687]

summary: 1 minute medium heat (bottom side up) 10 minutes low heat (bottom side down) 15 minutes no heat (keep on stovetop and don't ever lift the lid)

[@jhaimp.sullivan5618]

❤🎉

[@ImperatorCarva]

This technique works well for me, but I'd advise against using random objects for flattening chicken due to the risk of salmonella contamination. Personally, I use a meat tenderizer in a ziplock bag to avoid this issue. Additionally, I recommend seasoning more generously for a flavorful result.

[@nightporter2023]

This is bullshit. The end product in the video looks nothing like the one in the thumbnail.

[@justsumCrumbs]

If I learned one thing from Gordon Ramsay is that mf ain't go no color, no flavor.

[@traceylennon1204]

Why just salt and pepper...what about the OTHER seasonings??

[@IvanFoxDrift]

When the chicken breast is cooked on both sides i have no idea when to stop the cooking process

[@user-ho9ou1wv5b]

Accidentally took the lid off for a sec oops

[@WorstMechanic]

but jsut salt and pepper

[@Tezzotv]

Man hell naw 😭😭 more season please then you got it

[@denny6219]

Wait but, the.. thumbnail,

[@theripoffchicago]

just noticed that

[@shplashonurmom8199]

This is NOT the chicken breast from the thumbnail

[@msia40004]

B.s. i cooked the chicken breast exactly how this was said and one side was still raw

[@ImperatorCarva]

Must of put the heat way too low. I’ve cooked chicken this way many times & it’s come out just fine.

[@xCorzo650x]

butter slab in the thumbnail but none in instructions? :/

[@damienbracamonte]

The photo on this video looks nothing like what you did in the video? There even butter in the photo and didn’t see you put butter in the pan in this video?

[@3nigma.3nc]

Cool. So nothing like the thumbnail....

[@Christy-fw7vv]

NOOPE!!! MY CHICKEN MUST BE BROWN!!!

[@berkkahveci]

One side is 1 min and the other is 10 mins? I just can't fathom the reason why...

[@JLM3Productions]

Not how the thumbnail looks at all 😅

[@hunterletterman996]

THE THUMBNAIL LIED TO ME

[@Zero_in_dark]

I’m so bad at following these directions and I’m new to cooking, my dads making me cook and I’m so frustrated

[@sooshietrash]

you got it!

[@fluffywuffykinsies]

I know how you feel. It sucks but YOU WILL get the hang of it. Be prepared to fail a lot. I failed at even basic things like scrambled eggs so many times but with consistent practice it will click.

[@DjackDaReal]

I don’t have a damn lid 😅

[@Thee_Jadex]

That video thumbnail is pretty misleading

[@birdsamora9925]

The thumbnail is a lie

[@bigramz7547]

I bet she puts a ton of raisins in her potato salad. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@Eric149498]

I'm just learning how to cook. And this method did not work for me. The chicken was way underdone. I guess next time I'll cut the chicken breasts in half since they were so big

[@alejandrorodriguez3376]

Ok method. The seasoning is non-existent. Chicken breast is naturally dry so letting it marinate and absorb seasoning is key.

[@Chris-er5uj]

So the thumbnail has nothing to do with what you cooked?

[@KneeOnBlackNeck]

Shanequas and other Watermelon-Americans in the comments: "wherr da spices be at doe??" 😂

[@stevenv6639]

i am horrified

[@Marr.AKonRainbowSixSiege]

nice clickbait

[@jacobmorine2230]

This looks nothing like the thumbnail..

[@user-vr2pf8zn2t]

No disrespect but we..🇩🇴 use homemade marinade! Salt and pepper just ain't cutting it... Actually came on here to find other alternatives. BIT SALT AND PEPPER!!??🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

[@onebluebrow]

The color 😢

[@is7bella]

Looks nothing like the thumbnail😭⁉️

[@bangbang2070]

Looks dry to me 😂😂😂😂😂

[@travisnoface1300]

Ewww where’s the seasoning at I wouldn’t eat that

[@Ksleezynuba1]

Hell naw bruh

[@keepitahunit7776]

Yuk

[@crazyfriendist]

that chicken looks yuck!! hv some effing spices in there!! it looks so bland like an English Meal

[@sergioavila2720]

Lmfaoooo bruh really???

[@briannamclenan5083]

Guys calm down… she literally states this is how to cook a “basic” chicken breast

[@tonyfitch3711]

Wtf is that 😒

[@heatherguimond9719]

Glad I watched how not to cook chicken breast

[@GS-kj6ur]

That looks disgusting

[@mel...s]

Looks liks boiled chicken 🤦‍♀️