How to Cook Raw Chicken in a Skillet Perfectly Every Time

Cooking raw chicken in a skillet might seem hard, but it’s really not that hard if you know what to do. Using the right method will result in juicy, tasty chicken that doesn’t pose any safety risks. This guide will show you how to cook raw chicken in a skillet from getting it ready to when it’s done. As soon as you follow these steps, your chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings will be brown and juicy.

Getting Started

Before cooking, it’s important to fully thaw frozen chicken. It can slowly defrost in the fridge overnight, or you can use the microwave’s defrost setting. Room temperature chicken cooks more evenly. Use paper towels to dry the chicken and get rid of any extra water so it browns better. Add a lot of salt, pepper, and any other spices you like to both sides of the chicken. If you have time, let the meat sit for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking to let the flavors soak in.

Choose an appropriate sized skillet for the amount of chicken. For three to four breasts or parts, use a 10 to 12 inch skillet. If you want to cook more, go for a bigger skillet. Cast iron or stainless steel work best. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Medium to medium high heat provides even browning without burning. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil, butter, ghee, or avocado oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Swirl to cover the whole pan, then add the chicken pieces one at a time.

Choosing Your Technique

There are several good ways to cook chicken in a skillet, and each one has its own pros. Consider what results you’re looking for.

Pan Frying

This basic stovetop technique quickly browns the outside and cooks through. It’s ideal for boneless, skinless breasts and smaller pieces. Just be sure not to crowd the pan which steams instead of searing.

• Add chicken to the preheated, lightly oiled skillet. Give each piece space – work in batches if needed.
• Let sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until nicely browned.
• Carefully flip and cook other side until browned and chicken is opaque and cooked through, around 3-5 more minutes.
• Test for doneness by piercing a piece to the center with a knife tip. Clear juices indicate done.

Pan Roasting

Pan roasting gives deeper, more even browning by starting skin side down. Best for bone-in parts or whole birds.

• Place chicken pieces skin side down in hot skillet.
• Cook 4-6 minutes without moving until skin crisps.
• Flip chicken and transfer skillet to a 425°F oven.
• Roast 10-15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Pan Searing

Searing creates a flavorful crust. Finish cooking in the oven. Great for bone-in or boneless breasts and thighs.

• Generously season chicken all over.
• Lay pieces in hot oiled skillet skin side down if using bone-in. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned.
• Flip and sear second side 2 minutes.
• Transfer skillet to a 375°F and bake 10-15 minutes until done.

Is Chicken Fully Cooked?

Use the following techniques to determine if skillet cooked chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat:

• Use an instant read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone. Breasts are done at 165°F, thighs/legs at 175°F.
• Cut into a piece to check the internal color. Chicken should appear white throughout with no pink.
• Look for clear juices running from pierced chicken, not red tinged.

Prevent Chicken Sticking

To keep raw chicken from sticking to the skillet as it cooks, follow these handy tips:

• Use a well-seasoned cast iron or stainless steel skillet, avoiding nonstick pans.
• Allow pan to fully preheat before adding oil and chicken so food sears vs sticks.
• Apply a light coating of oil to the pan. More creates steaming.
• Don’t move chicken until properly browned. It will naturally release once crust forms.
• Deglaze pan juices after cooking with wine or broth to easily scrape up any browned bits.

Keep Chicken Moist

Chicken dries out easily during skillet cooking. Employ these methods to maintain juiciness:

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning so less moisture hits the pan.
• Use thighs and legs rather than breasts which are lower in fat and prone to drying out.
• Add aromatics like garlic, herbs or citrus zest which impart flavor and moisture.
• Coat chicken with flavorful oil, sauce or marinade before cooking.
• Baste chicken with pan juices as it cooks using a spoon.
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting to redistribute juices.

Common Skillet Chicken Recipes

The simple techniques for cooking raw chicken in a skillet lend themselves to all sorts of flavorful recipes. Try these delicious ideas:

• Skillet Chicken Parmesan – Bread chicken in parmesan-panko mixture. Pan fry then top with tomato sauce and mozzarella.

• BBQ Chicken Skillet – Pan roast chicken rubbed in chili powder and cumin. Toss with BBQ sauce before serving

• Skillet Chicken Fajitas – Sear chicken seasoned with southwest spices. Add peppers and onions. Wrap in tortillas.

• Chicken Sausage and Peppers – Brown bite sized chicken sausage. Add sliced bell peppers and onion. Toss with pasta.

• Skillet Chicken Stew – Brown chicken pieces then simmer with potatoes and vegetables in skillet.

The options for cooking raw chicken in a skillet are endless. With a few simple tricks, you can enjoy wonderfully browned and juicy chicken any night of the week using this straightforward stovetop technique.