Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (2024)

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  • November 4, 2022
  • 24 Comments

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (1)

How to make the juiciest, most flavorful chicken breast on the stove! This is my favorite way to cook chicken breast- perfect for easy weeknight dinners and it’s extremely versatile!

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (2)

Ingredients:

  • Chicken– Two 8oz chicken breasts work best for this recipe. I have found very large chicken breasts that are 1 lb each- those will work too but you may need to cook them a little longer.

  • Sour cream-to coat the chicken, this adds flavor and the acidity helps to tenderize the chicken as well.

  • Oil & butter- Cook the chicken in a little oil, and baste with butter for maximum flavor.

  • Seasoning- I highly recommend Lawry’s Seasoned Salt!It’s my favorite seasoning for chicken and a little goes a long way. I also use Lawry’s Seasoned Pepper, but you can also just mix back pepper with paprika for a similar flavor. You can add whatever other seasonings you like- I usually add garlic powder and sometimes onion powder, depending on what I’m making the chicken for.

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (3)

Technique

The seasoning here is important but the technique is even more important if you want to make moist and tender chicken breast every time.

  • The sour cream really adds a lot to this! The acidity in the sour cream helps to tenderize the chicken, and it also adds incredible flavor.

  • Basting in butter (just like you would a steak) is also a key step in making the chicken super flavorful. You don’t need a lot- just 1 tbsp per pound of chicken.

  • Getting a good sear through medium high heat, then reducing the heat to LOW and COVERING the chicken while it cooks. The butter, oil, and chicken juices create a super flavorful liquid that acts as a way to steam the chicken at a low temperature, ensuring that it is moist & tender on the inside.

If you follow these tips, I promise you will never cook dry, flavorless chicken breast ever again!

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (4)

Dinner ideas

I use this chicken breast recipe for pastas, rice bowls, salads, and my Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Rolls!

The pan juices have so much flavor and you can use it to make other things like gravy, or even season your veggies with it.

One of my favorite ways to make an easy weeknight dinner is to add some veggies to the pan while the chicken is covered and cooking on low. The pan juices add incredible flavor to the veggies and I love having this meal with rice and some avocado. My husband loves this meal with some hot sauce too.

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (5)

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (6)

Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast

How to make really juicy & flavorful chicken breast every time!

5 from 19 votes

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Servings 2

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast 2x 8oz chicken breasts for best results
  • 1 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Salt or your favorite seasoning salt
  • 1/2 tsp Lawry's Seasoned Pepper or 1/4 tsp black pepper + 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp sour cream or greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp butter

Instructions

  • Season the chicken breast all over with Lawry's Seasoned Salt, Lawry's Seasoned Pepper, and garlic powder.

    *you can sub the Lawry's Seasoned Pepper for 1/4 tsp paprika + 1/4 tsp black pepper.

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (7)

  • Coat the chicken in sour cream (or greek yogurt) and let it rest on the counter for 30 min to marinate and come to room temperature.

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (8)

  • In a skillet on medium high heat, add some oil and sear the chicken breast for 2-3 minutes.

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (9)

  • Flip the chicken over, add the butter and baste the chicken a few times until covered in butter.

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (10)

  • Reduce the heat to low, then cover for about 7 minutes. I use a meat thermometer to check the temperature and take it out of the pan at 160 degrees Fahrenheit (the chicken will continue to cook a little more while resting).

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (11)

  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (12)

  • The pan juices have a ton of flavor and can be used to cook something else (like pasta), pour over your chicken, or make a gravy so don't throw it out!

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (13)

  • Cut the chicken into strips and enjoy with rice & veggies, pasta, salad, & more!

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (14)

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This Post Has 24 Comments

  1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (15)

    Joy June 18, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (16)
    I like the idea of butterflying the chicken….would that adjust the cooking time any at all?

    1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (17)

      Stella June 18, 2024Reply

      Yes you would definitely need to adjust the cook time, I’d say maybe 2-3 minutes less.

  2. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (18)

    thebrowfxstudio February 23, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (19)
    Hi Stella! This has been my weekly go to recipe ever since you shared this reel! There is no other way I can eat chicken now. I used to hate chicken breast because it was so dry no matter which cooking method I tried. I’m so glad you taught me something new! I seriously couldn’t believe how juicy and delicious this turned out!

    1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (20)

      George April 9, 2024Reply

      Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (21)
      Interesting treating the chicken like a steak 🥩
      Recipe looks and sounds delicious I’m going to have to try it!

  3. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (22)

    Sara Suchite February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (23)
    Best chicken breast recipe out there. I came across this recipe over a year ago and I have been using it ever since then. It leaves my chicken super delicious, tender, and juicy. You can also pair the chicken with so many dishes. I’ve paired it with pasta, salads, and chicken bowls. Highly recommend giving this recipe a try.

  4. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (24)

    Julie Ying February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (25)
    This is SO juicy and my absolute favorite way to cook chicken breast. I always make extra because it’s so versatile.

  5. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (26)

    Nisma Haugen February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (27)
    I tried this chicken recipe two days ago because my sister recommended it. It came out so perfect and juicy! I had it with rice and avocado like you recommended, as well as some green beans on the side. Ps my sister and I have followed you on instagram for a few years and love everything you create. We always talk about how we trust your cooking and recipes! The next two recipes I want to try are your creamy chicken jalepeno rolls and your creamy pesto pasta with chicken. There are so many others I want to try as well! Thanks again for your recipe. 😊

  6. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (28)

    Kelsey February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (29)
    I’ve made this recipe so many times! So delicious and easy to make when I just want something quick and healthy. Thank you, Stella! 🙂

  7. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (32)

    Yen2yen February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (33)
    This chicken recipe is my new favorite because it’s moist and flavorful. I usually cook extra for salad and quesadilla for kiddos.

  8. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (34)

    Anonymous February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (35)
    This was also my first time cooking chicken breast and it came out incredibly juicy and tender. My husband loved it with some salad! I even shared this on my instagram story which never usually do! Thanks!

  9. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (36)

    Melissa February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (37)
    I was never confident about cooking chicken breast until this recipe! It’s so easy to do and the sour cream is a total game changer. It’s a go-to method for sure!

  10. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (38)

    Vi February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (39)
    I’ve made this numerous times and we love it! I sub Greek yogurt for sour cream because that’s what I usually have on hand and it comes out wonderfully. The chicken breast I buy from Costco is quite thick, so I butterfly and pound them to make them more even. The chicken also cooks faster this way when you’re popping the lid on and turning the heat down. The chicken is soo flavorful and juicy. I make an easy pan sauce with the drippings by adding onion, garlic, a splash of white wine or squeeze of lemon, splash of stock (or better than bouillon+ water), and black pepper.

  11. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (40)

    Ariel F February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (41)
    made this chicken over the weekend and it was so good to have on its own. my brother used it to make quesadillas and he said it was the best quesadilla he ever had!

  12. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (42)

    Marietta February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (43)
    We loved this recipe! So simple yet so juicy, flavorful and yummy! The whole family loved the chicken made this way.

  13. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (44)

    Jessica Wong February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (45)
    Made this multiple times and always turns out moist and tender!

  14. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (46)

    Genevee Morales February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (47)
    I have been making this chicken for my family for a year now and I’ll never go back to boiled chicken. I use it for all my recipes that call for chicken (sopes, enchiladas, rolled tacos, & salad) super juicy!!

  15. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (48)

    Joyce February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (49)
    this is now my go-to way to make chicken. juicy every time and smells divine!

  16. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (50)

    Grace February 19, 2024Reply

    Hey!
    Thanks for the recipe! Can I substitute the sour cream with greek yogurt?

    1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (51)

      Stella February 19, 2024Reply

      Hi Grace, yes you can sub greek yogurt for the sour cream 🙂

    2. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (52)

      Jack March 23, 2024Reply

      it’s mentioned a few times that you can.

  17. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (53)

    Kelly December 28, 2022Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (54)
    THIS CHICKEN is my family’s new favorite chicken recipe! My picky 6 year old even LOVES it! And it’s so easy to throw together. I first saw your IG tutorial and had to make it. Thank you so much for sharing!!!

    1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (55)

      stellanspice December 29, 2022Reply

      Hi Kelly, thank you so much for your comment! My brother-in-law said the same thing. His kids would not eat chicken breast until he made it this way! So glad you and your family love it. Happy holidays 🙂

  18. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (56)

    Anonymous November 5, 2022Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (57)
    I made this for dinner and it was delicious!!!!!!!!! Thank you for this great recipe.

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Hi, I'm Stella!

I come from a multicultural background, and cooking has been one of the best ways for me to stay connected to my heritage. My recipes are tried and tested, many of them passed down through family. I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as we do!

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Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out on the stove? ›

Make the chicken thinner

Thinner breasts or cutlets are less likely to dry out, as they won't spend as much time in the pan. A simple option is to pound the chicken until it is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet/pounder, heavy skillet or even a hammer. This is best done between parchment paper or plastic wrap.

What is the secret to juicy chicken breast? ›

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.

How do you cook chicken breasts and keep them moist? ›

  1. Flatten the chicken breasts. ...
  2. Heat the pan. ...
  3. Cook the chicken breasts over medium heat for 1 minute without moving. ...
  4. Flip the chicken breasts. ...
  5. Turn the heat down to low. ...
  6. Cover the pan and cook on low for 10 minutes. ...
  7. Turn off the heat and let sit for an additional 10 minutes. ...
  8. Remove lid and take temperature.

How to cook chicken breast without drying it out? ›

Make sure your chicken breast is well-seasoned before adding it to the pan. Cook each side evenly until brown. Once done, bake the chicken breast in a pre-heated oven until juices run clear. The crispy skin from the sear will help keep juices intact while baking cooks the insides through without drying them out.

How to keep chicken breast moist when frying? ›

Quick brine: You can make your boneless skinless chicken breasts even juicier and more flavorful with a super-quick brine. Even just 15 minutes in a simple brine will make them juicier.

How to stop chicken from drying out when frying? ›

Place a flat-bottomed frying pan on a medium-high heat and drizzle in a good amount of olive oil. When the oil is nice and hot, place the chicken breasts in the pan and leave to cook for 5 -7 minutes, untouched until a nice golden crust forms. If you have a lid for the pan, pop it on to help retain all that moisture.

How to make chicken breast super tender? ›

If using refrigerated chicken, let it come to room temp for 30 minutes. Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet (aka tenderizer), gently pound the meat, making sure you flatten it to an even thickness throughout.

What can I put on my chicken to keep it moist? ›

Don't settle for dry, boring chicken breasts. One simple ingredient will add flavor and keep them from drying out every time: mayo. You read that correctly, mayonnaise isn't just for sandwiches and macaroni salads. Oh no, it's great for ensuring juicy, tender chicken too.

How do I make my chicken breast moist again? ›

You can do this by marinating the cooked chicken in a sauce or broth for a while. This can help rehydrate the meat and add some flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the chicken could become mushy. Steam: Reheating the chicken with steam can help add moisture back into t.

How long to pan fry chicken breast for? ›

Pan-fried chicken breast recipe

Take off the cling film and season well. 2. Heat the oil in a frying pan then add the chicken breasts (skin-side down, if they have skin) and cook for 2-3 minutes or until browned. Then turn over, cover and cook on the other side for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.

Why did my chicken breast turn out dry? ›

Incorrect temperature and cooking time are the main culprits behind why your chicken gets dry when you cook it.

How do I make sure my chicken is cooked but not dry? ›

After your chicken breasts are done cooking, let them rest for at least half the time that you cooked them for before slicing into them. This will ensure that the breasts stay super juicy and flavorful, and that they're fully cooked.

What is the best way to keep a chicken moist? ›

Salt the chicken generously all over

A generous amount of salt—after you've dried the chicken well with paper towels—will help the interior of the bird stay moist while crisping the skin and enhancing the flavor.

Why does my chicken breast always come out dry? ›

The Role of Temperature and Cooking Time

The key to cooking chicken without drying it out is finding the sweet spot between temperature and cooking time. When you cook chicken at a high temperature, the muscle fibers of the chicken contract rapidly, causing moisture loss.

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