My easy grill pan method for cooking chicken breast will make you a fan for life. It’s healthy and full of flavor. Today I’m teaching you exactly how to grill chicken breast indoors on the stove with my easy and tasty marinade recipe. Let’s cook….
Grilled chicken is a summertime staple that many of us crave year-round. There’s just something about that charred, smoky flavor that takes chicken from boring to sensational. The problem is, firing up the outdoor grill isn’t always an option. Fortunately, you can easily replicate grilled chicken on your stovetop with just a few simple tricks. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make juicy, flavorful grilled chicken indoors.
Why Make Grilled Chicken on the Stove?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of making grilled chicken inside on the stovetop
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Convenience: You don’t have to wait for the weather to be just right or struggle to get the grill going. If you want grilled chicken, all you have to do is turn on your stove.
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Versatility You can cook grilled chicken on the stove any time of year, rain or shine No more waiting for summer to enjoy this tasty treat.
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Speed: Grilled chicken on the stove cooks quickly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. Dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
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Flavor: Properly cooked stovetop grilled chicken rivals what you’d make on an outdoor grill. The right techniques give you that charred exterior and juicy interior.
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Less mess: You don’t have to clean up after grilling outside. Cook and clean up easily inside your kitchen.
Essential Tools for Grilled Chicken on the Stove
To nail stovetop grilled chicken there are two essential tools you’ll need
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Heavy Skillet or Grill Pan: Choose a heavy-duty, thick pan made from cast iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel. The heft helps mimic an outdoor grill by producing even, radiant heat. Look for a ridged grill pan to get those coveted grill marks.
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When you use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, you can be sure that the temperature inside the chicken is correct. Shoot for 165°F at the thickest part.
How to Cook Grilled Chicken Breast on the Stove
Follow these simple steps for foolproof, flavorful grilled chicken breasts off the stove:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
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Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease. Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
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Pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness if desired. This promotes even cooking.
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Coat both sides with a teaspoon of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
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For flavorful chicken, use a simple homemade dry rub. Combine spices like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Generously season both sides of the chicken, pressing so the rub adheres.
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For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge up to a few hours. But 20-30 minutes will do in a pinch.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
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Preheat your grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes. You want it piping hot.
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Add a touch more olive oil to the pan. Carefully lay the chicken in the pan without overcrowding.
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Cook about 5-6 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move or flip too soon or you won’t get those lovely grill marks.
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Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of a piece. It should be opaque all the way through.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
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Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest at least 5 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute.
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Slice the chicken and serve it up! Pair it with your favorite grilled veggies or side dishes.
Grilled Chicken Thighs on the Stove
Chicken thighs offer juicy, rich flavor perfect for indoor grilling. Follow the same steps but extend cook times:
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Sear thighs skin-side down for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
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Flip and cook another 6-8 minutes on the second side until cooked through.
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Rest at least 5 minutes before serving.
Their higher fat content means they stay ultra moist and tender even with slightly longer cook time.
Top Tips for Perfect Stovetop Grilled Chicken
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Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature and prevent undercooking. Overcooking leaves chicken dry.
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Preheat properly to get the pan screaming hot. This helps replicate grill charring.
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Dry thoroughly before cooking for better browning and sear. Wet chicken sticks and steams.
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Don’t crowd the pan so chicken cooks evenly. Work in batches if needed.
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Let it rest after cooking so juices can redistribute for better flavor in each bite.
The Best Flavor Additions for Grilled Chicken
Take your stovetop grilled chicken to new heights by experimenting with marinades, glazes, and extra flavor:
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Marinate in oil, acid like lemon juice or vinegar, and spices for added moisture and taste.
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Brush with barbecue sauce during last few minutes of cooking for sticky, charred glaze.
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Top with fresh herbs and citrus like chopped parsley, basil, or a lemon wedge.
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Drizzle with vinaigrettes and sauces like chimichurri, teriyaki, or mole.
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Toss grilled chicken into salads, wraps, sandwiches, tacos – the possibilities are endless!
With the right tools and techniques, you can enjoy juicy, char-grilled chicken breasts and thighs any time the craving strikes. Ditch the outdoor grill and cook up fast, flavorful grilled chicken on your stovetop tonight.
To grill on the stove and finish
- You can use olive oil instead of avocado oil, but avocado oil is better for grilling chicken until it’s perfectly golden brown because it can handle high temperatures better and won’t burn as easily.
- Cilantro, fresh chopped
How to grill chicken on stove top
Now I’ll walk you through grilling chicken on a grill pan on the stove.
- Prep chicken. Pat chicken breast dry with paper towels. For even cooking in the grill pan, use a meat tenderizer to pound the chicken breasts flat and thin. To do this, you might need to butterfly the chicken, which means to cut it in half horizontally so that each half is about 1 to 2 inches thick.
- Make marinade. Add everything to a large bowl that isn’t the chicken breasts for the grill pan marinade. Whisk to combine. Mix the chicken breast with the sauce and set it aside for 15 minutes. You can also put it in the fridge for a few hours.
- Grill chicken breast on stove top. Add a grill pan to the stove on medium-high heat. Brush grates with a little avocado oil if desired. Turn it on high, then add the chicken breast. Grill it for five minutes in the pan on the stove. Don’t move it during this time. Once you see grill marks on one side of the chicken breast, flip it over with tongs and grill the other side for about 5 minutes, or as long as it takes for an internal meat thermometer to read 165 degrees F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes in a grill pan or on a cutting board so the juices can settle. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if desired and enjoy.
Here’s another tasty, easy chicken recipe: simmered chicken breast in enchilada sauce.
Try these grilled Italian chicken kebabs.
Easy Pan Grilled Chicken On Stove (Indoors Grill Pan Recipe)
FAQ
How to grill chicken in the stove?
InstructionsHeat a grill pan on medium heat. Pat dry the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Add chicken to a bowl and add in olive oil, lemon juice, spices and fresh herbs. Add chicken to a preheated cast iron grill pan and cook 2-3 minutes each side (don’t overcook or they’ll get dried out!).
Can I grill chicken on a frying pan?
How to grill chickenSet a cast iron ridged skillet pan over a high heat for around 7-10 mins to get really hot. Flatten the chicken to around 1. 5cm in thickness (as per the method above). If the chicken is marinated in oil, put it directly on the hot griddle.
How do you grill on the stove without a grill pan?
Broiler : Use your oven’s broiler to mimic grilling. Cast Iron Skillet : A cast iron skillet can provide a good sear and can be used on the stovetop. Regular Skillet : A non-stick or stainless-steel skillet can work, though it won’t give the same grill marks. Outdoor GrillGriddle PanAir FryerToaster OvenSous Vide.
How to cook chicken in pan on stove?
InstructionsPat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Carefully add the chicken to the hot pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook until it reaches 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes more. Slice and serve.