How to Cook The Perfect Chicken Breast In a Pan Roast

Chicken breast is probably the most versatile and most commonly eaten meat. yet when cooked perfectly packs the most incredible flavour.  One of the simplest and most delicious methods to cook it is in a pan and finish it by roasting it on the flesh side before finally basting it aromates. It's best to use stainless steel or cast iron as it carries the heat best. 

We will guide you through the steps here to cook the perfect chicken breast using this method which, ensures it remains moist and tender. 

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick and prevent the chicken from steaming in the pan which will ruin your skin. Season the skin side of the chicken generously with salt and fine cracked black pepper.

Step 2: Heating the Pan and the Oven 

Place the pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and meanwhile preheat an oven to 180°C. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two until it shimmers. This will ensure that the chicken doesn't stick to the pan as it will if it's too cold. 

Step 3: Searing the Chicken

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breast Skin side down in the hot pan. Immediately press the chicken down with a spatula so the skin is in full contact with the pan. Now leave it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on this side until it develops a dark golden brown crust.

Season well the flesh side again with salt and pepper and use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken breasts. Immediately throw the pan into the oven for around 4-5minutes minutes.

After remove the breast from the oven, place back on the heat and throw in some garlic, rosemary and/or thyme. Then add a good knob of butter and baste well until the butter goes a dark nutty brown and the chicken is coloured all around. 

Step 4: Checking the Internal Temperature

To ensure that the chicken is cooked, we always advise using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (especially with chicken!). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The chicken is safe to eat if the internal temperature reaches 74°C.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and meat to relax, giving you the perfect. chicken breast.