If you’ve ever wondered how to make perfectly moist, juicy chicken without fail, then look no further because I’ve got not one, but TWO ways to make perfectly juicy chicken, every time. Chicken tends to be a lower fat protein, which means it can easily get dry if not prepared properly. But with these simple tips, you can officially say goodbye to dry chicken breasts, forever!.
Friends, when it comes to simple and easy weeknight dinners, there is nothing better than a juicy chicken breast. Chicken is truly one of the most versatile ingredients out there. No matter what cuisine you want to go for, be it Mexican, Italian, or Asian-inspired, there are so many delicious ways to prepare chicken. And if you’re looking for the perfect chicken recipe, I’ve been LOVING my Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips lately!.
But even though chicken is tasty, it’s easy to make one mistake and end up with a dry chicken breast that doesn’t taste good. And that’s because chicken tends to be lower in fat, so it doesn’t have the same juiciness that other meats (like steak, for example) naturally have. Because of this, it needs to be carefully prepared so that all of that water stays inside. And lucky for you, I have not one, but TWO perfect ways to do that.
When it comes to seasoning, these chicken breasts are pretty simple. If you’re looking for a simple but delicious marinade to go with these juicy chicken breasts, I highly recommend trying my Greek Chicken Marinade!
Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be enjoyed in endless recipes However, it’s notoriously easy to overcook, resulting in dry, rubbery chicken that lacks flavor. With the right techniques though, it’s easy to cook chicken breasts so they turn out incredibly moist and delicious every time
Brining is Key
Brining is the most important thing you can do to make sure your chicken is tender and juicy. For this, the raw chicken needs to be soaked in a saltwater mixture before it is cooked. The salt makes the chicken taste better and helps it keep its moisture.
To make a quick brine, combine 1 tablespoon salt with 4 cups water Submerge the chicken breasts and let soak 15-30 minutes. Rinse and pat dry before cooking as desired. The small amount of salt adds lots of flavor without making it taste overly salty
Pound for Even Thickness
Chicken breasts often come in varying thicknesses, which can lead to uneven cooking. Take a few minutes to pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are all the same thickness. This helps them cook at the same rate.
Use Gentle, Even Heat
High heat can cause the outside of chicken to overcook before the inside is done. Bake or pan-fry the chicken over medium heat, about 350°F in the oven or medium-low on the stovetop. This allows it to cook slowly and gently all the way through.
Monitor Temperature
The best way to ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked but not overdone is to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches 165°F. Remove it from the heat at 160°F and allow carryover cooking to bring it to 165°F as it rests.
Bake Uncovered
Putting chicken breasts in the oven with a lid on top can steam and dry them out. Bake them in an oven-safe dish without lids so the tops get a little brown and the food stays moist.
Sear Then Simmer
To get juicy chicken, pan-fry it over high heat at first to brown the outside, then lower the heat and cook it slowly until done. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for an additional 10 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add Liquid
Including some liquid in the pan, like chicken broth or water, provides steam to keep chicken extra tender. Bring the liquid to a simmer before adding chicken. Then cook the breasts over medium heat until cooked through, turning once.
Rest Before Cutting
After cooking, letting the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes lets the juices redistribute evenly throughout. Slice immediately after cooking and juices will spill out. Waiting to cut gives you the juiciest meat.
Season Under the Skin
Sliding spices and herbs under the skin infuses them into the chicken as it cooks. Gently loosen the skin from the meat, spread them underneath, then replace the skin.
Cook Low and Slow
For ultra tender and moist chicken, cook it low and slow in the oven at around 250°F until it reaches 165°F, about 30 minutes depending on thickness. The gentler heat prevents overcooking.
Stuff With Flavor
Placing flavorful ingredients like lemon, garlic, and herbs inside the chicken imparts moisture and taste. Make small slits in the breasts and insert the items deeply into the slits.
Velvetize First
Coating chicken in a mix of corn starch, egg whites, wine, and water for 30 minutes before cooking helps keep it incredibly tender. The starch seals in moisture as it cooks.
Add Acid
Marinating or cooking chicken breasts in an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, vinegar, yogurt or wine tenderizes the meat and adds moisture.
Cook Low and Slow
For ultra tender and moist chicken, cook it low and slow in the oven at around 250°F until it reaches 165°F, about 30 minutes depending on thickness. The gentler heat prevents overcooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
When pan-frying or roasting chicken, be sure not to overload the pan. Overcrowding causes the temperature to drop, leading to overcooked meat. Cook chicken in a single layer with space between pieces.
By following these tips for brining, seasoning, monitoring temperature, and using gentle cooking methods, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly moist, flavorful chicken breasts every time. Experiment with different techniques to find your favorites.
Method 2: Perfect Baked Chicken
You can also use this method if you want a simple but tasty baked chicken recipe. To make the chicken this way, just preheat the oven to 450F and put the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use paper towels to pat them dry, then once they’re dry, rub them generously with olive oil, lots of sea salt, and any seasonings that you desire. I personally love using cumin and paprika, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings!.
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your chicken on top of it. If you have a meat thermometer, place it in your chicken. I personally love using a smart meat thermometer, like this one!
Finally, place your chicken in the oven to bake until the internal temperature reaches 160F. If you aren’t using a meat thermometer, this should take approximately 15 minutes.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165F while it rests, which is perfect!.
Once it’s done resting, slice it and enjoy!
If you use these tips, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
Method 1: Cast Iron Skillet & Oven
The first method to making the perfect juicy chicken involves using a cast iron skillet and an oven. To get started, preheat your oven to 400F and place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Remove them from the water using a paper towel and then sprinkle them with sea salt—more than you think you’ll need! You can also add other spices at this point; I like cumin and paprika the most. .
Next, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add in your oil. You should wait until the oil is VERY hot. The oil is hot when it slides easily across the pan. With care, put the chicken into the hot oil and DO NOT touch it for 4 minutes. This is very important, so the chicken cooks properly!.
Once the 4 minutes are up, flip the chicken and DO NOT touch it for another 3 minutes. Once the 3 minutes are up, remove the cast iron skillet from the stove and place it in the oven for 12 minutes.
Once the 12 minutes are up, remove the pan from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. This is very important, to ensure that the chicken cooks perfectly and maintains optimal juiciness!
Finally, once done, slice, serve, and enjoy as desired!
The Best Chicken Breast You’ll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101
FAQ
How do you cook perfectly moist chicken breasts?
The key to achieving perfectly moist chicken breasts lies in a simple yet ingenious technique that combines quick searing and gentle steaming. By following this method to the letter, you’ll unlock the secrets to restaurant-quality chicken breasts that are tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
What is the best method for cooking chicken breasts?
For juicy, flavorful chicken breasts that are always cooked just right, the sear and bake method is the best. Jump to… Why is This The Best Method for Cooking Chicken Breasts? Chicken breasts are a dinner staple, and knowing how to cook them right is a necessity!.
How do you cook chicken breast without drying it out?
This helps the chicken retain moisture during the baking process, resulting in juicier and more tender meat. Marinate the chicken breasts in a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like yogurt or citrus juice. How do I cook chicken breast without drying it out?.
What causes moisture loss in chicken breast during cooking?
Moisture loss in chicken breast during cooking often results from the breakdown of protein structures and excessive heat. When chicken is cooked at high temperatures for extended periods, the proteins can contract and expel moisture, transforming it into a dry and unappetizing meal.
How do you season chicken breast?
No matter how you season them, you’ll have juicy, tender chicken breasts. — Faith Durand, September 2014 Flatten the chicken breasts. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness with the bottom of a wide jar or glass. You can also use the bottom of a small frying pan. Season the chicken breasts. Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Why is my chicken breast so dry?
Getting chicken breast to be juicy can be tricky, and if you make a few mistakes, you could end up with an average, dry dinner. Overcooking is a prominent culprit, often leading to a rubbery texture. Likewise, neglecting the use of acids in your marinade can hasten the tragedy of a dry breast.
What is the best way to cook chicken breasts to keep them moist?
If you want the chicken to stay moist and juicy, cook it in the oven at 350°F after sear each side. Be careful not to overcook which will make it dry. Bake until the internal temperature just reaches 165°F. Don’t forget to rest your meat for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.
How to make breast chicken tender and juicy?
The Key to Moist and Tender Chicken Breast
The method isn’t broiling, searing, sautéing, frying, or baking; it heats the chicken breasts quickly on the stovetop then lets them essentially poach from the inside out in their juices in a covered pan.
How to keep cooked chicken breast from drying out?
For best results, choose a dish that’s just big enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer without a lot of extra space between the pieces. This will help to prevent the chicken from drying out. Add enough water or stock to cover just the bottom of the baking dish, then cover the dish tightly with foil.May 28, 2025
How to make a chicken more moist?
A marinade adds both moisture and intense flavor to chicken breast. The longer you marinate, the better. Seal the chicken in your marinade for two to three hours minimum. However, overnight is ideal.