How to Cook Chicken Breast in a Pan

Pan-roasting chicken breast is the easiest method to cook chicken breast because it doesn't require any additional ingredients. The pan helps retain moisture and flavor while perfectly cooking the chicken breast. The most important thing to remember when cooking chicken breast in a pan is not to overcrowd it, so it doesn't overcook quickly.

Let's look at some of the benefits of cooking chicken breast this way:

• Lean meat: Chicken breast meat is leaner than other chicken meats. This makes it a good choice if you are trying to eat healthier or lose weight.
• Faster cooking time: Using a pan allows for faster cooking time than an oven or stovetop grill because no heat elements are involved. You need to put your chicken breast on top of your stovetop and let it heat up until it reaches the temperature you want (usually about 350 degrees Fahrenheit).
• Less mess: When you use a pan, no messy clean-up steps are required, like grilling over direct heat or using an oven. After you've cooked your chicken breast, the only thing left behind is some tasty food!

If you want to learn how to cook, we've covered the ingredients you need, preparation, and the cooking procedure.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you need:

• Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound each)
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Three tablespoons of olive oil, divided
• One tablespoon of unsalted butter

Preparation

The simple method of cooking chicken breast in a pan is quick and easy, but it does require some preparation before you start cooking.

Here are the preparation steps that you need to follow:

• Cut the chicken breast into strips. The thinner the cuts you make, the faster they will cook. However, this method will not produce uniformly shaped pieces; if you want evenly sized pieces for your meal, then this method works well for you.
• Mix the salt and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the mixture over both sides of each piece of chicken. Let it sit for about 15 minutes until it has absorbed all the seasonings.
• Heat the olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until they are browned on both sides, about 6 minutes per side.
• Add any desired fresh herbs or spices to taste (such as garlic, rosemary, thyme, or oregano) to finish cooking your chicken breast before serving.
• Place one strip on each plate and spoon some sauce over each piece.

How to Cook Chicken Breast in a Pan

The procedure of cooking chicken breast in a pan is simple. Follow these instructions to get the best results with this recipe:

• Step 1: Heat a skillet or pan on high heat.
• Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat one tablespoon of olive oil. Add your chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Step 3: Place the skillet back over medium/high heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes to the pan and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and simmer for about 5 minutes more, or until softened slightly but not mushy (you want them to hold their shape). Stir in basil leaves and season with salt and pepper as desired.
• Step 4: Return chicken breasts to the pan and any juices accumulated during cooking. Spoon sauce over top of chicken breasts (it will make everything nice and moist), then place into preheated oven until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Serve immediately!

The trick is not overcooking them since they will continue to cook after being removed from the pan. If you want your meat extra tender, cook it right away and remove it when it's done (about 140 degrees on an Instant-Read Thermometer).