What is the secret to moist chicken breast?

Brine. Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking. It only requires three ingredients: water, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast without drying it out?

If you're baking it, keep it covered with a baking sheet or with the pan-top for about 80% of the total baking time, uncover it only when the breast is cooked and tender but there's juices in the pan . Once uncovered, the juices will evaporate quickly in the oven, and you'll have a juicy chicken breast to eat.

Does baking soda keep chicken breast moist?

The baking soda helps tenderize the chicken breast, the oil seals the moisture to keep the chicken tender, and the starch forms a thin crisp crust when stir-frying in a hot wok. You won't taste the baking soda in the marinade, so no need to rinse and dry the meat.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

Given the fact that drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and won't dry out as easily as breasts, the range from 350 to 450 degrees is okay for baking them. 350 to 375 is generally best for breasts . The best answer to these questions? Simply check the chicken for doneness using an instant read thermometer.

Should I cover chicken breast with foil when baking?

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results . The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

Why is my chicken breast so hard after cooking?

Cooking meat covers a spectrum of textures, colors, flavors and, of course, temperatures. As you go higher in temperature, the proteins shrink, moisture is pushed out, and the meat turns stiff and dry . All those things are especially unpleasant, and easy to do, with chicken breasts.

Why is my chicken breast tough after cooking?

When chicken gets hard after cooking, it is usually due to overcooking or cooking it at too high of a temperature . Chicken is made up of proteins, and when exposed to high heat for an extended period, these proteins can contract and become tough and dry.

Is chicken breast better baked or pan fried?

If they are boneless/skinless, pan fry them - you have more control over their done-ness, and a better chance of them not drying out or get overdone. Bone-in, especially with skin on, I'd recommend oven-cooking- both the bones and the skin protect the meat, and give them good flavor.

What is the tastiest and healthiest way to cook chicken breast?

Poached Chicken Poaching is great because it adds virtually no fat to your food, yet yields subtle flavour and moisture. To poach your chicken, add your ingredients (chicken and any other vegetables, aromatics, and spices you like) to a skillet or pot, and add a cooking liquid such as broth, wine, or coconut milk.

What can I use to moisten chicken?

Don't settle for dry, boring chicken breasts. One simple ingredient will add flavor and keep them from drying out every time: mayo . You read that correctly, mayonnaise isn't just for sandwiches and macaroni salads. Oh no, it's great for ensuring juicy, tender chicken too.

Why are my boneless chicken breasts tough?

If your chicken breast are tough, you cooked them too long . Chicken breasts are hard to get right because they have a fat end and a skinny end. The fat end takes a bit longer to cook. Cooked perfectly, a chicken breast is moist and tender, with no pink flesh in the middle of the thickest part.

33 delicious chicken breast recipes (2024)

From our chicken and mushrooms pies, to our crispy tacos and miso broccolini salad, there’s something for everyone here.

Aside from being very good for you, this lean white meat is extremely versatile and goes amazingly in many dishes including pies, salads, pasta, stir-fries and tacos.

When cooked properly, chicken breast can be extremely juicy and flavoursome. It’s also generally pretty quick to cook, making it a great option for mid-week family dinners.

To make your menu planning a little easier, we’ve pulled together a selection of our favourite chicken breast recipes. From our chicken and mushrooms pies, to our crispy Mexican tacos and miso chicken and broccolini salad, there’s something for every tastebud here.

Flick through the gallery and see what catches your eye…

How to cut and portion a whole chicken

You don’t need to be a butcher to portion a whole chicken perfectly. We show you step by step how to get it right every time and save dollars!

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Step 1: To cut the chicken into several pieces, slice through the centre of the breast with a sharp knife to open up the chicken.

Step 2: Turn it over, and with kitchen scissors, remove the back bone.

Step 3:Pull the legs away from the body and slice through the flesh.

Step 4: To cut into smaller pieces, cut the wing and part of the breast from the body.

Step 5: Cut the leg between the two joints.

With properly butchered chicken pieces, the options for recipes are endless! Why not try these chermoulla barbecued chicken thighs or rosemary and prosciutto chicken legs.

Gorgonzola and sage-stuffed chicken

Gorgonzola and sage-stuffed chicken

Chicken with spinach stuffing and cranberry sauce

Chicken with spinach stuffing and cranberry sauce

Chicken kiev

This chicken kiev recipe is the perfect family meal – nourishing, warm and delicious! Even the fussiest of eaters will be licking their plates clean!

Fetta and sage stuffed chicken breast with tomato chilli jam

Fetta and sage stuffed chicken breast with tomato chilli jam

The thoughtfully prepared sides make this simple chicken dish extra special.

Herb-stuffed chicken with tomato salad

Herb-stuffed chicken with tomato salad

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach salad

Stuffed chicken breast with spinach salad

Stuffing chicken breasts helps keep them moist and juicy while cooking, as well as adding a huge flavour boost to the finished dish.

Easy one-pan roast chicken breasts with vegies

Easy one-pan roast chicken breasts with vegies

This chicken breast recipe is an one-pan wonder featuring delicious vegies and a tasty crumb topping.

Chicken cassoulet

Chicken cassoulet

Chicken tabbouleh

Chicken tabbouleh

33 delicious chicken breast recipes (10)

Chicken breast stuffed with smoked salmon and goats cheese

Chicken breast stuffed with smoked salmon and goats cheese

Tender chicken breasts stuffed with smoked salmon and goat’s cheese make for a fabulous dinner party main. You could also make this recipe with double lamb cutlets or butterflied quail instead of the chicken.

33 delicious chicken breast recipes (11)

Capricious chicken

Capricious chicken

This boisterous dish features moist chicken breast marinated in lemon, herbs and spices. Served with fresh vegetables and a pungent mayonnaise, it will sing off the plate at a birthday or any social occasion.

33 delicious chicken breast recipes (12)

Chicken yakitori

Chicken yakitori

33 delicious chicken breast recipes (13)

Chicken tikka

Chicken tikka

Tandoori powder is a flavourless mixture of yellow and red coloured powdered vegetable dye, available from Indian food stores. Substitute normal red food colouring if you like – do not use turmeric.