How to Make Perfectly Juicy Chicken Every Single Time

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