How to Cook Chicken Breast So It Stays Juicy

Chicken breast is one of the most popular proteins — and also one of the easiest to overcook.

If you’ve ever ended up with dry, tough chicken, you’re not alone. The good news is that juicy chicken breast doesn’t require special tools or complicated techniques.

This guide will show you exactly how to cook chicken breast so it stays tender and juicy every time.

Why Chicken Breast Dries Out

Chicken breasts are a very lean meat. Due to their low-fat content, overcooking by even a few minutes can cause them to lose moisture and dry out.

When exposed to excessive heat, the proteins in the meat tighten and contract which causes the juices to escape. This results in a less tender and drier texture, making the chicken less appetizing.

Additionally, the exterior can char or burn before the interior reaches a safe cooking temperature, resulting in uneven cooking. This not only affects the texture but can also compromise the juicy chicken breast flavor.

Best Chicken Breasts to Use

When it comes to how to cook chicken breast that is juicy and tender, size and thickness matter. You want to aim for individual breasts around 5 to 6 ounces. Larger breasts can be harder to cook through without drying out the thinner end.

If your chicken breasts vary in size or have a tapered end, you can either slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets or pound the thicker end to an even thickness using a meat mallet. If you don’t have a meat mallet, a rolling pin will work just fine. The goal is to ensure that the entire piece of chicken cooks through at the same rate, preventing a dry exterior and a raw center.

When choosing between fresh vs. frozen chicken breasts, fresh is generally preferred. It will give you the best taste, texture, and moisture.

How to Cook Chicken Without Drying it Out

1. Let Chicken Sit at Room Temperature

Letting chicken sit out for 15-30 minutes before cooking helps it reach closer to room temperature. This promotes more even cooking and better texture, preventing the outside from overcooking before the inside is done. Overall, this tempering process will help the entire piece of meat cook uniformly.

2. Season Well

To season chicken breast, a versatile blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika works well for most cooking methods. For maximum flavor, use about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of chicken and apply it at least 30 minutes before cooking.

3. Use Medium Heat

Cooking chicken breasts in a skillet over medium heat is often considered easier and faster than an oven or grill. This stovetop method offers greater control, speed and convenience, perfect for weeknight meals.

4. Cook to the Right Temperature

It’s important to know how to cook chicken breast to the right temperature. As recommended by the U.S. government food safety site, you want to always aim for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the breast. Allow for carryover cooking during rest to reach this safe point.

5. Let It Rest

You want to let chicken breast rest after cooking to let its juices redistribute. This will make the meat significantly juicier, more tender, and flavorful. Otherwise, those juices run out when you cut it, leaving dry meat.

Resting also allows for carryover cooking, where residual heat finishes cooking the chicken to a safe temperature without drying it out.

Best Way to Tell When Chicken Is Done

It’s important to know how to cook chicken breast safely. The best way to tell if chicken breast is done is with an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding bone if present. Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remember that temperature continues to rise a bit after cooking (carryover cooking), so you can remove it slightly before 165°F.

Visually, it’s done when the juices run clear and the meat is opaque white with no pink. The meat should feel firm with a slight bounce-back, not squishy. However, the thermometer is the most reliable method to avoid dryness.

You shouldn’t cut into chicken breast to check doneness because it releases juices, making the meat dry. Plus, it’s an unreliable method and should be checked with a meat thermometer.

Common Chicken Breast Mistakes

Skipping rest time
Cooking uneven pieces together
Using high heat the whole time

Final Thoughts

With a few simple steps, chicken breast can be one of the easiest and most reliable proteins to cook. Once you understand timing and temperature, you will know how to cook chicken breast so it stays juicy. Dry chicken breast becomes a thing of the past.