How to Cook Chicken in a Skillet for Perfectly Juicy Results Every Time

Cooking chicken in a skillet can seem intimidating for beginner home cooks. Many people end up with dry, overcooked chicken because they don’t know the proper techniques. But with a few simple tricks, you can make restaurant-quality chicken in a skillet right in your own kitchen. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook moist, flavorful chicken in a skillet perfectly every time.

Why Cook Chicken in a Skillet?

There are several advantages to cooking chicken in a skillet rather than oven-baking or grilling it

• Quick cooking time – Chicken breasts and boneless thighs cook fast in a hot skillet, making this method perfect for weeknight dinners. Pieces with bone-in take a little longer but still cook faster than in the oven.

• Delicious browning – The direct contact with the hot pan gives your chicken a beautiful, crisp, golden-brown crust. This adds tons of flavor.

• Juicy inside—If you cook it right, the inside stays soft and juicy while the outside turns brown.

• An oven isn’t flexible enough to cook chicken in tasty pan sauces. A skillet, on the other hand, makes that easy.

• Easy cleanup – With just the skillet to wash instead of racks or baking sheets, cleanup is a breeze

So a skillet is the best way to make quick, tasty, and juicy chicken with little mess.

Tips for Cooking Chicken in a Skillet

Follow these simple tips and tricks for fail-proof skillet chicken every time:

1. Choose the Right Skillet

Your pan choice makes a big difference. The best skillets for chicken are:

• Cast iron – Retains heat evenly for superior browning. Needs to be well-seasoned.

• Stainless steel – Durable and oven-safe. Opt for heavy-bottomed.

• Nonstick – Easy cleanup but can’t get as hot. Avoid for best browning.

2. Prepare the Chicken Properly

Proper prep ensures the chicken cooks evenly and gets a great crust:

• Pat dry – Blot chicken with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Wet chicken won’t brown well.

• Season generously – Salt, pepper and spices add lots of flavor. Apply seasoning right before cooking so it sticks.

• When you pound boneless chicken breasts, make sure they are all the same thickness so they cook at the same rate.

3. Use the Right Heat

Controlling the temperature is key for perfect chicken.

• Preheat at medium-high – Allow the skillet to fully preheat before adding oil or chicken so it sears instead of steams.

• Don’t overcrowd – Cook chicken in a single layer with space between pieces. Overcrowding causes steaming.

• Reduce heat if needed – If the pan seems too hot, lower to medium. This prevents burning.

4. Brown First, Then Cook Through

Browning first followed by gentler cooking gives you the best of both worlds.

• Sear undisturbed – Let the chicken sit still for several minutes when first adding it to the pan so it browns well.

• Flip only once – Just one flip prevents overhandling so the crust stays intact.

• Finish with lower heat – After flipping, reduce heat slightly and cover the pan so the inside can finish cooking without burning the outside.

5. Monitor Temperature

The only foolproof way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer.

• Breasts to 165°F – Insert into the thickest part avoiding bone. Cook until 165°F for food safety.

• Thighs/legs to 175°F – Dark meat can go a little higher to 175°F and still stay juicy.

6. Let It Rest

Resting is the secret step that keeps your chicken incredibly moist and tender.

• Rest 5-10 minutes – Heat continues to gently cook the inside while the juices redistribute.

• Serve pan sauces – While chicken rests is the perfect time to finish making any pan sauces to serve with it.

Follow these simple skillet chicken tips and you’ll have restaurant-quality results with foolproof, juicy chicken every single time. Get cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Chicken in a Skillet

1. What is the best oil to use for skillet chicken?

Use a high smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed or canola oil. These oils can withstand the high heat needed for proper browning.

2. How long does it take to cook chicken thighs in a skillet?

Boneless thighs take 7-10 minutes per side. Bone-in thighs take 18-22 minutes total. Exact time depends on thickness. Use a meat thermometer for best results.

3. How do I keep chicken breasts from drying out?

Pound them to an even thickness, don’t overcook, and brine if desired. Brining helps chicken breasts retain moisture. Cook to 165°F, no higher.

4. What is the best way to tell if chicken is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer for the most accurate doneness. Chicken breasts are done at 165°F and thighs/legs at 175°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, check that the juices run clear.

5. Can I cook frozen chicken in a skillet?

No, skillet-cooking is only for fully thawed chicken. Frozen chicken risks dangerous undercooking. Always thaw chicken in the fridge before cooking.

6. How can I tell if my skillet is hot enough?

A drop of water should sizzle and evaporate right away when flicked onto the surface of a properly preheated skillet. Or look for the oil to shimmer and get runny.

7. What causes chicken to stick to the skillet?

Excess moisture causes sticking. Make sure chicken is patted very dry before cooking. Also ensure the pan is fully preheated before adding chicken so it sears quickly.

8. What is fond and how do I use it?

Fond is the brown bits stuck to the skillet after searing. To make a pan sauce, deglaze the fond with broth/wine while scraping up the bits, then simmer to reduce.

9. Can I use a lid when cooking chicken in a skillet?

A lid is fine at the end to finish cooking, but avoid it at the start. Using a lid right away steams the chicken rather than searing it.

10. How do I reheat leftover skillet chicken?

Gently rewarm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 325°F. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture from becoming rubbery.

Following the tips in this guide will guarantee you master delicious skillet chicken every time. For more answers to common chicken cooking questions, refer to this handy FAQ. Now get cooking!