How to cook chicken breasts so they donât dry out
Why do chicken breasts tend to go dry?
Looking at chicken breast, itâs no wonder theyâre not known for being juicy and flavourful. Generally, theyâre sold boneless and skinless, which are two factors that usually account for moisture and flavour. To counteract this, you need to ensure youâre sealing in as much moisture as possible, while also boosting the flavour, as well as ensuring youâre not overcooking the meat.
What type of pan should you use to cook chicken breasts?
This might sound controversial, but the best pan for cooking juicy chicken breasts isnât a grill pan, but instead is a good frying pan. The reason for this is you want to create a solid crust on the chickenâs exterior to help retain all its moisture. Grill pans are great for presentation, but if you’re serious about retaining that moisture, a frying pan is the way to go.
Which flavours pair best with chicken breasts?
If youâve ever cooked a steak, youâll know how far butter, some herbs and garlic can take you â and you should apply this to cooking chicken breasts too. Once the chicken is in the pan, add a tablespoon or two of butter, along with some bashed garlic and herbs (rosemary, thyme and sage will all work great here!). Once the chicken is resting, you could squeeze over some lemon juice or add the zest of a lemon instead. The best part about chicken breast is their ability to take on other flavours, so play around to make sure youâre making the most of this.
