How to Cook Chicken Breasts for Recipes

Step 1

Salt and pepper both sides of your chicken breasts.

Step 2

Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly grease with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil. Place chicken breasts in the pan and cook until the first side is nicely browned, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 3

Flip chicken breasts and brown second side, 2 to 3 minutes. Once both sides are browned, add about 1/2-inch of water to the pan. Turn heat down to medium, cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes (longer with larger breasts), adding more water if it all evaporates, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165°F.

Step 4

Remove breasts from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before cutting as recipe calls for. Enjoy!