Do you love chicken? Who doesn't, right? It's one of the most popular meats in the world. But cooking chicken in a pan can be a little daunting for some people out of fears of drying it out or burning it. Many people opt to use an electric grill instead of the stovetop for this reason.
But don't worry, we're here to help! In this guide, we will teach you how to cook chicken in a pan like a pro. We'll cover everything from how to fry chicken breast to how to grill chicken in a skillet.
So whether you're cooking for yourself or your family and friends, follow these easy steps and you'll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
How to Make Grilled Chicken on the Stove: Step-by-Step
Step 1. Season the Chicken
Before cooking your chicken breast, it's important to season it with some salt and pepper. This will add flavor and help keep the meat moist.
You can also add other spices if you like, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs.
Some more great seasonings for chicken include:
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano
- Cumin
- Greek seasoning
- Chili powder
- Paprika
Step Two: Choosing the Right Cookware
When cooking chicken in a pan, it's important to choose the right cookware. We recommend using a stainless steel pan, but a nonstick skillet or a cast-iron skillet will work as well.
A stainless steel pan is great because it cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the chicken as long as it's seasoned or has enough oil.
You can also use a nonstick skillet if you're worried about the chicken sticking to the pan or if you don't have a lot of experience cooking.
Cast-iron skillets are also a good option because they hold heat well and can give the chicken a nice sear. In reality, though, the best pan to cook chicken in is whichever you're most comfortable with using.
Step Three: Place a Skillet Over Medium Heat and Add Oil
When cooking chicken in a pan, you'll want to use cooking oil with a high smoke point. This means it can be heated to a high temperature without burning.
Some good oils for frying chicken include:
- Canola oil
- Peanut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Avocado oil
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Once your pan is hot, add in enough cooking oil so that the whole pan will be coated. Wait for the oil to heat up before adding the chicken.
Step Four: Cooking the Chicken
Now it's time to add the chicken! Place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. You'll want to cook it on one side for about five minutes, or until it's golden brown and crispy.
Once the first side is cooked, flip the chicken over and cook for an additional three to four minutes.
Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of your chicken. Remember not to overstuff the pan, or the chicken will not cook evenly.
If you're cooking a large amount of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe cooking.
If you want to make your chicken extra delicious, you can add a bit of butter to the pan while it's cooking. This will give it a nice flavor and help to keep the meat moist.
Step Five: Let the Chicken Rest
Once you've cooked your chicken, it's important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and stay in the meat, rather than running out when you cut into it.
You can always cut into the chicken a little bit to see if the juices are clear and make sure the meat isn't pink anywhere.
If everything looks good, you're ready to serve!
How to Cook Chicken Pieces in a Pan
If you're cooking chicken pieces instead of a whole breast, the cooking process will be slightly different.
Start by heating up your pan on medium-high heat. In order to get a nice crispy crust on your chicken, it's important to use some cooking fat. You can use any type of cooking oil, but I recommend using a healthy cooking oil like avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil.
Once your pan is hot, add the chicken pieces to the pan skin-side down. Cook for about five minutes or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Then, flip the chicken pieces over and cook for an additional three to five minutes. Chicken pieces are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you're cooking bone-in chicken pieces, they'll need about eight minutes per side. If you're cooking boneless chicken pieces, they'll only need four minutes per side.
Once your chicken is cooked through, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Chicken on the Stove?
Determining how long to cook chicken on the stove will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breast.
A small, thin chicken breast will only need two to three minutes per side. A large, thick chicken breast will need four to five minutes per side.
If you're cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts, they'll need about four minutes per side. If you're cooking bone-in chicken breasts, they'll need six to eight minutes per side.
Conclusion: How to Cook Grilled Chicken on the Stove
Cooking chicken on the stove is a quick and easy way to make a delicious meal. All you need is some cooking fat (like olive oil or butter), a hot pan, and your favorite seasonings, such as garlic powder and other spices.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts only need four minutes per side, but bone-in chicken breasts will need six to eight minutes per side. Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of your cooked chicken breasts to ensure they are cooked through.
Just like that, you can have pan-grilled chicken in no time! Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
Do you have any tips for cooking chicken on the stove? Share them in the comments below!