How to Cook Chicken Breast on Stove (Stove top Chicken Breast)

Learn how to cook chicken breast on stove the easy, quick way. This pan seared chicken breast is flavourful, delicious, cooks in less than 15 minutes, and is about to be your favorite stove top chicken breast recipe!

Serve with side dishes like boiled broccoli, potatoes, and gravy for a perfect dinner.

You don't need an oven before you can enjoy crispy, juicy, tender pan seared chicken breast!

Simply cook it on the stove or if you have instant pot pressure cooker, check my instant pot chicken breast recipe.

Read through this entire post for answers to frequently asked questions, tips, storage information and more about this recipe before moving to the printable recipe card for ingredient list and directions.

Pan Seared Chicken Breast

Let's talk about pan seared chicken breast that is easy, simple, and quick!

Pan frying boneless skinless chicken breast is easy and this crispy pan seared chicken breast recipe is perfect for any meal of the day. Brunch or dinner, as a side dish or main dish.

This stove top chicken breast is well seasoned, tender, moist, and juicy inside, and nicely crisped on the outer.

It's simply cooked to perfection. Did I mention it requires just a few simple ingredients? 5 ingredients and yet full of flavor.

Stove Top Chicken Breast Recipe

This stove top chicken breast is full of flavour, tender, moist and delicious. 

• This recipe is simple and quick. Takes 15 minutes in total.

• No oven or grill required. All the cooking is done on stove.

• It doesn't require oven yet you get crispy skin, moist and tender inside.

• This skillet chicken breast is great for meal planning.

• Makes use of seasoning you likely have in your pantry or better still you can season to your liking.

• Inexpensive and packed full of protein.

• Suitable for low carb diet and it's keto-friendly. 
  For chicken thighs, check out my stove top chicken thighs recipe.

Stove Top Chicken Breast Ingredients

Chicken breasts

Oil - You can use vegetable, sunflower or coconut oil

Smoked Paprika

Dried Parsley

Black pepper

Stock Cube

Salt

How to Cook Chicken Breast on Stove top

Prepare and pat chicken dry with a kitchen towel.

Season with salt, paprika, parsley, black pepper, stock cube.

If you have time, cover with clingfilm and put in the fridge to marinate. If not move to the next step.

Place a skillet or non stick pan over medium heat, then add oil in the pan. 

Arrange the chicken breasts in the pan and leave to sear for 5 - 7 minutes untouched until golden, crispy and no longer sticking to the pan then turn to the other side.

If you can't easily flip the chicken breast, it's not ready.

Cook the other side for another 5-7 minutes till cooked, crispy skin and not sticking to the pan.

If you’re not sure chicken is cooked and for food safety compliance, check that the internal temperature of the chicken is atleast 165F (75C). To ensure this, check by using meat thermomether.

Transfer to a plate and leave to rest for atleast 5 minutes before cutting into it.

Serve and enjoy.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the skillet. Use one that is wide enough to fit the chicken.

• Before moving the chicken, wait till you can easily flip them over. 

• Make sure the chicken is cooked through before taking off stove.

• When in doubt if chicken is cooked, check with meat thermometer. It is safe to eat if internal temperature is atleast 165F/75C.

• You can season chicken to your liking. Explore with combination of spices.

• Leave chicken to rest for few minutes before cutting into it.

Serving Suggestion

Sides you can serve with this stovetop chicken recipe include vegetables like Steamed Carrots or this delicious instant pot cabbage.

It's perfect with any type of rice from long grain rice to Jasmine rice, instant pot brown rice or Spanish rice.

You can serve with roast potatoes or mashed potatoes and gravy.

How to Store and Reheat Stove top Chicken Breast

Only store it when it's completely cooled and within few hours of cooking.

Store in the fridge - Put in a Ziploc or an airtight container, label, and store in the fridge where it will last up to 3 days.

To Store in the freezer: Put in a ziploc or an airtight freezer-safe container, label with dates, and store in the freezer where it will keep well for 3 months.

Reheat on the stove top, oven, or microwave.

To reheat in a microwave, put on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on a high temperature setting for 2 minutes or till heated through. Add additional time if necessary.

To reheat on the stove: Add chicken broth or water in a skillet or frying pan, arrange the chicken in the pan and leave to cook for 3- 4 minutes or till warmed through.

How to use leftover: Use leftover chicken breasts in salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, omelettes, curries, stews, and sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you cook chicken breast on stove?

With this cut and size of chicken in this recipe, cook time is 15 minutes. If you use thicker chicken breast fillet, you might have to cook for longer. To be sure chicken is safe to eat, check that the internal temperature is atleast 165F (75C). Use meat thermomether to check.

Is it safe to cook chicken breast over stove top?

Yes. Skinless, boneless chicken breast cooks perfectly on the stove top in less than 15 minutes with no need to cook in the oven or grill.

Can i use other cut of chicken?

Absolutely, If you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs the cooking time remains the same however if you use bone in chicken cut, the cooking time will be longer so adjust accordingly.

How do you keep chicken breast moist?

Chicken breast will remain moist when it's cooked at the right temperature and the right amount of time. Try not to overcook so it doesn't dry out.

Can i use frozen chicken?

Yes if you thaw them first! To thaw frozen chicken, put them in the fridge overnight, or to quickly thaw, put in cold water.

More chicken recipes on the blog

Easy baked chicken legs

Instant pot chicken drumsticks

Chicken and broccoli

Orange baked Chicken

Chicken thighs

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