Olivia Carter
Chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in various ways. One of the simplest and quickest methods is to cook it in a skillet on the stove. This cooking technique is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying meal.
If you want juicy and flavorful chicken, using a skillet on the stove is a great choice. The high heat allows the outside of the chicken to get nicely caramelized while keeping the inside tender and moist. Plus, the skillet locks in all the delicious natural juices, resulting in a perfectly cooked chicken.
To begin, choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. They cook faster and more evenly than bone-in cuts. Before cooking, it’s important to season the chicken with your favorite spices and herbs. You can go for a simple combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or get creative with flavors like paprika, cumin, or rosemary.
Preparing the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure it is safe to eat and to enhance its flavor. Follow the steps below to prepare the chicken before cooking:
- Start by washing the chicken thoroughly under cold running water. This helps to remove any dirt or bacteria on the surface of the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry using paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture, which can prevent the chicken from browning properly.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with a generous amount of salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
- If desired, marinate the chicken. You can marinate the chicken in your choice of marinade to add extra flavor. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
By following these steps to prepare the chicken, you will be able to cook it to perfection in a skillet on the stove.
Trimming and seasoning the chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it’s important to trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken pieces. This will help prevent splattering and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly. It’s also important to season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its flavor.
To trim the chicken, start by removing any visible fat or skin with a sharp knife. Be sure to cut away from your body and use caution to avoid any accidents. Once the chicken is trimmed, rinse it under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
After the chicken is trimmed, season it generously with salt and pepper. This can be done by sprinkling the salt and pepper directly onto the chicken or by placing the chicken in a bowl and tossing it with the seasoning. For added flavor, you can also add other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder or paprika, to the chicken.
Allow the chicken to sit with the seasoning for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. This will help make the chicken more flavorful and tender when cooked.
Tip: To ensure even seasoning, use your hands to rub the salt and pepper into the chicken, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly.
Brining the chicken (optional)
If you want to add extra flavor and moisture to your chicken, consider brining it before cooking. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a solution of salt and water for a period of time. This process helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking and enhances its natural flavors.
To brine the chicken, begin by filling a large bowl or container with water. Add salt to the water and stir until it dissolves completely. A general rule of thumb is to use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. You can also add other seasonings such as herbs, spices, or even sugar to enhance the flavor.
Place the chicken in the brine solution, making sure it is completely submerged. Cover the bowl or container with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. The longer you brine, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.
Before cooking, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Dispose of the brine and prepare the chicken for cooking according to your recipe. Keep in mind that brining may increase the cooking time slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Cooking in the Skillet
When it comes to cooking chicken in a skillet on the stove, there are a few key steps to keep in mind. By following these instructions, you can ensure that your chicken is cooked to perfection, juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Before you start cooking, it’s important to properly prepare your chicken. Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and ensures a more even cooking process.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
Next, season your chicken with your desired spices and herbs. You can go for a simple salt and pepper seasoning or get creative with a blend of spices and herbs like garlic powder, paprika, and thyme. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken, making sure it is evenly coated.
Step 3: Heating the Skillet
Place a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat and let it heat up for a minute or two. You want the skillet to be hot enough to sear the chicken and create a nice golden crust.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Then, carefully place the seasoned chicken into the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 5: Resting the Chicken
After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Note: If you are cooking thicker cuts of chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious and perfectly cooked chicken right from your skillet on the stove. Serve with your favorite side dishes or use the cooked chicken in salads, sandwiches, and more.
Preheating the skillet
Before you start cooking the chicken in a skillet on the stove, it’s important to preheat the skillet properly. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice sear on the outside. Here’s how to preheat the skillet:
- Place the skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
- Allow the skillet to heat up for a few minutes until it becomes hot.
- While the skillet is heating up, pat dry the chicken pieces with paper towels.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper or any other desired seasonings.
- Once the skillet is hot, add a small amount of cooking oil or butter to the pan and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
- Wait for the oil or butter to melt and heat up.
- Now, carefully place the seasoned chicken pieces in the hot skillet.
- Make sure to leave enough space between the chicken pieces to allow for even cooking.
By preheating the skillet, you create the perfect environment for cooking chicken on the stove. The hot skillet and oil/butter combination help in achieving a delicious sear on the chicken, locking in the moisture and flavor. Preheating also ensures that the chicken cooks at the right temperature, reducing the risk of undercooking or overcooking.
Cooking the chicken
Once the chicken is marinated and ready to cook, it’s time to heat up your skillet on the stove. Follow these steps to cook your chicken to perfection:
Step 1: Preheat the skillet
Place the skillet on the stove over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for a few minutes until it’s hot enough to sear the chicken.
Step 2: Add oil or butter
Next, add a tablespoon of oil or butter to the skillet. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly. This will prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan and add flavor.
Step 3: Place the chicken in the skillet
Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot skillet, skin side down if applicable. Make sure they’re evenly spaced and not overcrowding the pan. This will ensure that each piece cooks evenly.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. Use tongs to flip the chicken and cook it on the other side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Check for doneness
To check if the chicken is cooked through, make a small cut in the thickest part of one piece. If the juices run clear and there is no pink meat, then the chicken is done. If not, continue cooking for another minute or two and check again.
Step 6: Rest the chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become tender and juicy.
Now your delicious skillet-cooked chicken is ready to be served and enjoyed!
| Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Chicken pieces | 1. Preheat the skillet 2. Add oil or butter 3. Place the chicken in the skillet 4. Cook the chicken 5. Check for doneness 6. Rest the chicken |
| Oil or butter | Add to the skillet before cooking the chicken |
Checking for Doneness
Once you think the chicken is cooked, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure it is safe to eat. Here are a few methods you can use to check if the chicken is cooked through:
- Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh without touching the bone. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Visual Check: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check if the juices run clear. If the juices are clear and there are no traces of pink, the chicken is cooked.
- Texture: The chicken should feel firm and spring back slightly when pressed with a finger. If it feels rubbery or squishy, it is not cooked through.
- Timer: If you’re experienced with cooking chicken and have a good sense of timing, you can rely on a timer. Follow a recipe or general cooking guidelines to determine the appropriate cooking time for the size and type of chicken you are using.
Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cooking chicken. Make sure to properly check for doneness to avoid any risks of undercooked chicken.
FAQ
What is the best cut of chicken to cook in a skillet on the stove?
The best cut of chicken to cook in a skillet on the stove is boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and evenly, and can be seasoned and flavored in a variety of ways.
Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking it in a skillet?
Marinating the chicken before cooking it in a skillet is not necessary, but it can add extra flavor. If you have time, marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes will help to infuse it with additional taste.
What temperature should I cook the chicken at in the skillet?
You should cook the chicken in the skillet over medium-high heat. This allows the chicken to cook through without burning the outside. However, if you prefer a more slow and gentle cooking process, you can lower the heat to medium.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
You can check if the chicken is cooked through by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken breast. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, it is cooked. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
