If you’ve ever wondered how to make perfectly moist, juicy chicken without fail, then look no further because I’ve got not one, but TWO ways to make perfectly juicy chicken, every time. Chicken tends to be a lower fat protein, which means it can easily get dry if not prepared properly. But with these simple tips, you can officially say goodbye to dry chicken breasts, forever!
Friends, when it comes to simple and easy weeknight dinners, there is nothing better than a juicy chicken breast. Chicken is truly one of the most versatile ingredients out there. No matter what cuisine you want to go for, be it Mexican, Italian, or Asian-inspired, there are so many delicious ways to prepare chicken. And if you’re looking for the perfect chicken recipe, I’ve been LOVING my Crispy Parmesan Chicken Strips lately!
But as delicious as chicken is, it can be very easy to make one simple mistake and end up with a dry chicken breast that doesn’t satisfy. And that’s because chicken tends to be lower in fat, so it doesn’t have the same juiciness that other meats (like steak, for example) naturally have. Because of this, it needs to be prepared carefully, so that we keep all of that moisture locked inside. And lucky for you, I have not one, but TWO perfect ways to do that.
These chicken breasts are very basic when it comes to seasoning, so if you’re looking for some marinades to pair alongside these juicy chicken breasts, I highly recommend trying out my Greek Chicken Marinade for a simple and easy (yet delicious) recipe!
Method 1: Cast Iron Skillet & Oven
The first method to making the perfect juicy chicken involves using a cast iron skillet and an oven. To get started, preheat your oven to 400F and place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a paper towel to pat them dry, then sprinkle them generously with sea salt – more than you think you would need! If you want to add any other seasonings, you can add them here as well- I personally love using cumin and paprika. 🙂
Next, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add in your oil. Wait until your oil gets VERY hot – you’ll know that it’s hot once the oil glides easily across the pan. Once the oil is hot, carefully place your chicken into the pan and DO NOT touch it for 4 minutes. This is very important, so the chicken cooks properly!
Once the 4 minutes are up, flip the chicken and DO NOT touch it for another 3 minutes. Once the 3 minutes are up, remove the cast iron skillet from the stove and place it in the oven for 12 minutes.
Once the 12 minutes are up, remove the pan from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. This is very important, to ensure that the chicken cooks perfectly and maintains optimal juiciness!
Finally, once done, slice, serve, and enjoy as desired!
Method 2: Perfect Baked Chicken
And if you prefer a simple (yet delicious) baked chicken recipe, then this is the method for you! To make your chicken this way, simply start by preheating your oven to 450F and place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use paper towels to pat them dry, then once they’re dry, rub them generously with olive oil, lots of sea salt, and any seasonings that you desire. I personally love using cumin and paprika, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings!
Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your chicken on top of it. If you have a meat thermometer, place it in your chicken. I personally love using a smart meat thermometer, like this one!
Finally, place your chicken in the oven to bake until the internal temperature reaches 160F. If you aren’t using a meat thermometer, this should take approximately 15 minutes.
Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165F while it rests, which is perfect!
Once it’s done resting, slice it and enjoy!
If you use these tips, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim
Equipment
- 1 Cast Iron Skillet A cast iron skillet is an absolute kitchen essential, and is one of my most-used items!
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Chicken Breast
- 1 Tablespoon Sea Salt
- Seasonings of Choice, If you're looking for the perfect chicken marinade, I recommend my Best Ever Greek Chicken Marinade!
Instructions
Method 1: Cast Iron Skillet & Oven
- To get started, preheat your oven to 400F and place your chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Use a paper towel to pat them dry, then sprinkle them generously with sea salt – more than you think you would need! If you want to add any other seasonings, you can add them here as well.
- Next, heat a cast iron skillet over medium heat and add in your oil.
- Wait until your oil gets VERY hot – you’ll know that it’s hot once the oil glides easily across the pan.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place your chicken into the pan and DO NOT touch it for 4 minutes.
- Once the 4 minutes are up, flip the chicken and DO NOT touch it for another 3 minutes
- Once the 3 minutes are up, remove the cast iron skillet from the stove and place it in the oven for 12 minutes.
- Once the 12 minutes are up, remove the pan from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Finally, once done, slice, serve, and enjoy as desired!
Method 2: Perfect Baked Chicken
- Start by preheating your oven to 450F and place your chicken breasts on a cutting board.
- Use paper towels to pat them dry, then once they’re dry, rub them generously with olive oil, lots of sea salt, and any seasonings that you desire.
- Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your chicken on top of it. If you have a meat thermometer, place it in your chicken.
- Finally, place your chicken in the oven to bake until the internal temperature reaches 160F. If you aren’t using a meat thermometer, this should take approximately 15 minutes.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. The internal temperature will rise to 165F while it rests, which is perfect!
- Once it’s done resting, slice it and enjoy!
Rate & review
SELECT A RATING and tell me what you think!
What others are saying
This is a game changer! My favorite way to prepare chicken now!
I am so thrilled to hear that, Jen! Thank you so much for making it, and for leaving such a kind review!
I made this tonight and it was perfect! I will definitely make it again. Thanks!
Woohoo! I am so happy you loved it, Karla! Thank you so much for your review!
This was the best chicken I have ever made myself and is now on repeat. Perfectly juicy! Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledge with us!
I am so thrilled you loved it, Morgan! Thank you so much for your review!
I used the oven method for a few chicken breasts, to make the Ultimate Healthy Chicken Salad. The chicken turned out perfectly and it was so easy. I will be using this method from now on to prepare chicken breasts. The sea salt was perfect and the chicken was moist and delicious.
Yay! I am so thrilled to hear that, Ashley! Thank you so much for making this recipe, and for leaving such a kind review!
Absolutely great 👍 recipes 👍 God BLESS you 😊 🙏 😘
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tamira! Thank you so much for your review!
I always thought I was a decent cook, but boneless chicken breast can be tricky. And this method has been so helpful and works every time! Plus it’s super easy! Thanks for this technique!
Yay! I am so thrilled that you loved this recipe, Emily! Thank you so much for giving it a shot, and for leaving a kind review!
I make my chicken breasts like this (2nd method) all the time now, and they’re so good! I had almost given up on eating chicken breasts before I found this method!
I used the first method with the Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe and it came out great.
I am so happy to hear that, Moriah! Thank you for your review!
Delicious and juicy! Came out perfect! A little messy on the stove before I got a screen over the cast iron skillet 😀. The only way to cook breasts from now on!
Woohoo! I am so thrilled to hear that, Jennifer! Thank you so much for making this recipe and for leaving such a kind review!
I have made this several times with the marinade in the cast iron. So quick….so easy….so delicious!!!! Best part is that my 10yr old loves it.
Thank you!
I am so happy to hear that, Anna! Thank you for your review!
I hadn’t been able to make juicy chicken breasts until I found this method! So simple and delicious! Thanks so much for sharing this technique!
Thank you for sharing this recipe