Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a versatile and lean cut of meat that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. Here are several methods for cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts, along with some tips for keeping them moist and flavorful.

### 1. **Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
– Salt and black pepper
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs if using.

2. **Heat the Pan:** Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. **Cook the Chicken:** Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving the chicken too much to get a nice sear.

4. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

### 2. **Baked Chicken Breasts**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and black pepper
– 1 tsp paprika
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme

**Instructions:**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and herbs.

3. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

4. **Rest and Serve:** Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

### 3. **Grilled Chicken Breasts**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper
– 1 tsp dried basil or oregano

**Instructions:**

1. **Marinate:** Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs in a bowl. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

2. **Preheat Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

3. **Grill the Chicken:** Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. **Rest and Serve:** Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

### 4. **Poached Chicken Breasts**

**Ingredients:**
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth or water
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and black pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Liquid:** In a large pot, combine the chicken broth or water, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

2. **Poach the Chicken:** Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cover. Poach the chicken for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. **Rest and Serve:** Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.

### Tips for Juicy Chicken Breasts:

– **Pound to Even Thickness:** For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
– **Brine:** Brining the chicken in a mixture of water and salt (and optionally sugar) for 30 minutes before cooking can help retain moisture and enhance flavor.
– **Resting Time:** Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

These methods will help you cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are flavorful and juicy, making them perfect for a variety of dishes from salads to sandwiches.