Quick and Easy Stovetop Chicken Recipe

Learning to make delicious chicken on the stove is a must-have skill for every home cook. It’s a versatile protein that can be seasoned and cooked in a variety of ways to suit your individual tastes. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, mastering the art of cooking chicken on the stove will serve you well in the kitchen.

One of the great things about cooking chicken on the stove is that it’s a relatively quick and easy meal to prepare. By using a few simple techniques, you can create succulent and flavorful chicken dishes that will leave your family and friends wanting more. In this article, we’ll provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to cook delicious chicken on the stove. So, let’s get started!

How to Make Chicken on the Stove: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken
When it comes to cooking chicken on the stove, it’s important to choose the right cut. Chicken breast, thighs, and drumsticks all work well. However, if you’re in a hurry, chicken breast cooks the quickest, while if you’re looking for a more flavourful cut, thighs or drumsticks could be a good choice.

2. Season the Chicken
Seasoning the chicken well is key to enhancing its flavour. You can keep it simple with salt and black pepper, or get creative with various herbs and spices. You can also marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs for a minimum of an hour.

3. Heat Up the Pan
To ensure that your chicken is cooked evenly, it’s important to preheat your pan over medium-high heat for a few minutes before adding the chicken. You can add a tablespoon of oil to the pan if you’d like, or a small pat of butter for extra flavour.

4. Add the Chicken to the Pan
Once the pan is hot, add the chicken to the pan. If you’re cooking a thick cut like chicken breast, you’ll want to cook it for around six minutes per side, until it’s cooked through. Thighs and drumsticks may take a few minutes longer. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. Flip the Chicken
After a few minutes, use a pair of tongs to flip the chicken over and cook on the other side. Be careful when flipping the chicken so that it doesn’t fall apart.

6. Add Some Liquid
If you’d like to add some extra flavour to your chicken, you can add some liquid to the pan. This could be chicken broth, white wine, or even a can of diced tomatoes. Add around ½ cup of liquid to the pan, and let it simmer to create a sauce.

7. Baste the Chicken
Basting the chicken with the liquid in the pan will help to keep it moist and tender. Use a basting brush or spoon to scoop up some of the liquid and pour it over the chicken.

8. Add Some Vegetables
If you’d like to make a one-pan meal, you can add some vegetables to the pan with the chicken. This could be sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Add the vegetables to the pan around halfway through cooking the chicken.

9. Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is cooked through, turn off the heat and remove the pan from the stove. Allow the chicken to rest for around five minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.

10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken has rested, slice it up and serve it with your favorite sides. Some great options include roasted potatoes, a simple salad, or some steamed vegetables. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken!

10 Steps to Make Delicious Chicken on the Stove

Making chicken on the stove is an art that can create a delicious and healthy meal for any night of the week. The following steps will guide you through the process of how to make chicken on the stove with 10 simple and easy-to-follow steps.

1. Choose the Perfect Chicken Cut

The type of chicken cut you choose will affect the overall flavor and texture of your dish. For stove-cooked chicken, choose pieces that cook quickly and evenly, such as chicken breasts, thighs, or tenderloin.

2. Seasoning is Key

The seasoning you use can enhance the flavor of the chicken. Choosing the right combination of spices can take your chicken dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Common spices include garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, paprika, and thyme.

3. Preheat your skillet

Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes before cooking. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.

4. Use the Right Cooking Oil

Using the right cooking oil will ensure that your chicken stays moist and retains its flavor. Olive oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil are all good options for stove-top cooking.

5. Cook Chicken in Batches

Cooking chicken in batches is crucial to achieve optimal results. This ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and thoroughly. Overcrowding the skillet will lead to uneven cooking and steam the chicken leading to a lack of sear.

6. Monitor Cooking Temperature

Always keep an eye on the cooking temperature. Overcooked chicken becomes dry, flavorless, and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature without overcooking it.

7. Switch it up with Different Cooking Styles

For a change of pace, try different cooking styles like pan-frying, sautéing, or braising. Each method has its own unique benefits and can produce a tasty chicken dish with a different texture and flavor.

8. Add in Vegetables and sauces

Add in some vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini or sauces like teriyaki, barbecue or honey mustard can enhance the flavor of your chicken dish.

9. Resting and Serving

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps to redistribute the juices through the meat making it moist and tender and avoid juices oozing out as soon as you cut in. Serve your chicken alongside some crisp salad greens or steamed vegetables of your choice.

10. Clean up

Lastly, clean up your workspace to keep it hygienic. Empty the cooking oil after it has cooled, clean your skillet with soap and water and store it for future use.

Follow these simple tips and you will soon master cooking chicken on the stove! With a little creativity, the possibilities are endless!

Choosing the Right Cooking Method

When it comes to cooking chicken on the stove, there are several methods that you can choose from. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to choose the right one based on your cooking goals and preferences. Below, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most common cooking methods for stove-top chicken.

Pan-Frying

Pan-frying is one of the simplest and most versatile methods of cooking chicken on the stove. To get started, simply heat up a pan with some oil or butter over medium heat. Then, add your seasoned chicken breast to the pan and cook for around 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.

One of the biggest advantages of pan-frying is that it creates a tasty, crispy exterior that’s hard to resist. However, it’s important to note that this method can be quite fatty and unhealthy if you don’t use the right cooking oil or portion sizes.

Braising

Braising is a slower and more delicate method of cooking chicken on the stove that involves cooking it in a liquid for an extended period of time. This not only makes the chicken more tender and flavorful, but it also helps it retain moisture and nutrients.

To braise chicken on the stove, start by heating up some oil in a pan over medium heat. Then, add your chicken and sear it until it’s browned on all sides. Next, add some liquid (such as chicken broth or wine) to the pan, along with any herbs or spices you’d like to use. Cover the pan and let it simmer over low heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the liquid has reduced into a flavorful sauce.

Poaching

Poaching is another gentle method of cooking chicken on the stove that involves simmering it in a flavorful liquid until it’s cooked through. This method is particularly useful if you’re trying to keep the chicken moist and flavorful without adding unnecessary fats or oils.

To poach chicken, start by heating some water in a large pot with some aromatics like garlic, onions, and herbs. Add your seasoned chicken to the pot and let it simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. You can also add some vegetables or grains to the pot to infuse even more flavor into the dish.

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a quick and easy method of cooking chicken on the stove that involves cooking small pieces of chicken over high heat in a small amount of oil. This method is particularly useful if you’re looking to make a chicken stir-fry with lots of vegetables and sauces.

To stir-fry chicken, start by chopping it into small, bite-sized pieces. Then, heat up some oil in a pan over high heat and add the chicken. Cook for around 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and browned on all sides. Add your vegetables and any sauces or spices you’d like to use, and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.

Grilling

While grilling is typically associated with outdoor cooking, you can also grill chicken on the stove indoors using a grill pan or cast-iron skillet. Grilling is a great way to add smoky, charred flavor to your chicken while keeping it healthy and low-fat.

To grill chicken on the stove, start by heating up your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Brush some oil onto your chicken and season it with salt and pepper. Then, add the chicken to the pan and cook for around 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Serve hot and enjoy!

That’s it folks – juicy and delicious chicken on the stove!

I hope you found this article helpful and that it inspired you to whip up some tasty chicken on your stove. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and with a little practice, you can easily make some mouthwatering meals in your own kitchen. Thank you for reading, and please visit us again soon for more easy and delicious recipes. Happy cooking!