Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (2024)

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  • November 4, 2022
  • 22 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 18 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 22 Comments

  1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (15)

    thebrowfxstudio February 23, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (16)
    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 - (17)

      George April 9, 2024Reply

      Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (18)
      Interesting treating the chicken like a steak 🥩
      Recipe looks and sounds delicious I’m going to have to try it!

  2. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (19)

    Sara Suchite February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (20)
    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.

  3. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (21)

    Julie Ying February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (22)
    This is SO juicy and my absolute favorite way to cook chicken breast. I always make extra because it’s so versatile.

  4. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (23)

    Nisma Haugen February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (24)
    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. 😊

  5. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (25)

    Kelsey February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (26)
    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! 🙂

  6. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (27)

    Mari G. February 22, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (28)
    So I thought my chicken recipe on the stove top was pretty good. It always came out juicy. However, this recipe with the added, sour cream makes the world of difference! Thanks for sharing!

  7. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (31)

    Anonymous February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (32)
    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!

  8. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (33)

    Melissa February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (34)
    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!

  9. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (35)

    Vi February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (36)
    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.

  10. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (37)

    Ariel F February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (38)
    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!

  11. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (39)

    Marietta February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (40)
    We loved this recipe! So simple yet so juicy, flavorful and yummy! The whole family loved the chicken made this way.

  12. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (41)

    Jessica Wong February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (42)
    Made this multiple times and always turns out moist and tender!

  13. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (43)

    Genevee Morales February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (44)
    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!!

  14. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (45)

    Joyce February 21, 2024Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (46)
    this is now my go-to way to make chicken. juicy every time and smells divine!

  15. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (47)

    Grace February 19, 2024Reply

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

    1. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (48)

      Stella February 19, 2024Reply

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

    2. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (49)

      Jack March 23, 2024Reply

      it’s mentioned a few times that you can.

  16. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (50)

    Kelly December 28, 2022Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (51)
    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 - (52)

      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 🙂

  17. Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (53)

    Anonymous November 5, 2022Reply

    Juicy Stove Top Chicken Breast - (54)
    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

What is the best way to cook chicken breasts to keep them moist? ›

Fortunately I have one method that makes unfailingly juicy and tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply heat the chicken breasts quickly on the stovetop then let them poach from the inside out in their juices in a covered pan.

What is the secret to juicy chicken? ›

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.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out? ›

Pro Tip: The key to a juicy chicken breast is to not over-cook it. To prevent your chicken breast from turning out dry, use an instant-read thermometer to check when the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

How to prevent chicken breast from drying out? ›

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. Trust me, waiting the few extra minutes pays off big time — every time.

How do you make chicken soft and tender when cooking? ›

  1. Don't overcook them; they dry out.
  2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) but not beyond.
  3. Marinate or brine them beforehand to add moisture.
  4. Cover them with foil while baking to keep moisture in.
  5. Let them rest after cooking; this helps juices redistribute.
Jan 19, 2024

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.

How long to pan fry a chicken breast? ›

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.

What ingredients tenderize chicken? ›

You might have wondered why most chefs or cooks prefer to soak their chicken in buttermilk or yogurt overnight. Well, the answer is simple: they are tenderizing the chicken for cooking later, and that's the secret behind their super delicious, juicy chicken.

How to make chicken more flavorful? ›

Add a touch of spice to your chicken breast by combining paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, ginger, garlic and olive oil to create a paste. Then cover your chicken breast with the paste and pat down to secure.

How much time does chicken take to cook on the stove? ›

Sauté chicken breast 12 to 15 minutes (6 to 8 minutes for flattened chicken or tenders) and 14 to 18 minutes for chicken thighs. Learn how to sauté chicken like a pro with tips from our Test Kitchen. Boil (poach) boneless chicken breast halves 12 to 15 minutes (bone-in chicken breast should cook for about 30 minutes).

Why does chicken breast dry out so easily? ›

The reason chicken breasts often end up dry is actually one of the things we value about them: they have very little fat. Refresh your chicken know-how by reading these common mistakes and tips for cooking chicken breasts.

What is the secret to moist chicken breast? ›

A marinade adds both moisture and intense flavor to chicken breast. The longer you marinate, the better. Seal the chicken in your marinade for two to three hours minimum. However, overnight is ideal.

How to not overcook chicken on the stove? ›

Starting With Cold Chicken Breasts

And while this might sound obvious, the best way to avoid overcooking a chicken breast is to cook it for as short a time as possible. When you start with cold chicken breast straight from the fridge, it's going to take longer for the middle to heat all the way through.

Does baking chicken keep it moist? ›

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

How do caterers keep chicken moist? ›

Keep chicken moist

A cooking hack from my catering days of frying and grilling chicken for the masses is poaching. Poach chicken on low heat in a mixture of buttermilk and chicken stock, or just stock.

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