Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. Lower the heat to medium and add the chicken breasts. Cook for 1 minute, then flip the breasts over. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 10 minutes. DO NOT LIFT THE LID.
After 10 minutes, turn off the heat and let the chicken sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. Again, DO NOT LIFT THE LID. Resist the urge.
After the full 20 minutes, remove the lid. Boom, done. (Your chicken will be cooked, but if you’re still nervous, you can check it with an instant-read thermometer to make sure it has an internal temperature of at least 165°F.)
Nutitrion
Serving Size: 1 g
Reviews
Dana on 2026-03-17 (3 stars): Followed instructions exactly with a tight fitting lid and my chicken was 147.7 degrees.
Nat on 2025-04-14 (5 stars): OMG!!! Perfection!!
I've been beating my head against a wall trying to figure out how to perfectly cook the mystical chicken breast!!
I cannot thank you enough! Meal prep will be a breeze from now on. I'm no longer the chicken 😂
LW on 2025-02-01 (5 stars): I love this recipe!! I usually cook chicken breasts in the air fryer.. this has changed my approach.. so juicy and tender… and the leftovers are never dried out!
Melissa A on 2023-05-03 (5 stars): Is it possible to make this in an electric skillet given the vent hole in the lid?
Elizabeth on 2023-03-20 (5 stars): This recipe is the best!
Christine on 2022-05-24 (5 stars): May 24, 2022 - I used this method for two boneless/skinless breasts and they turned out PERFECT. Moist and a little juicy and cooked all the way through. This will be my go-to for cooking up some tasty protein. Thank you!
Samantha on 2022-03-23 (5 stars): I’ve messed up so many chicken breasts before I discovered Serena
Therese on 2022-03-22 (5 stars): Works like a charm every time! My go-to for cooking chicken breasts!
Anne on 2022-03-22 (5 stars): Life-changing hack! I usually do a batch on a Sunday and dice to have for lunches throughout the week.
Jacquelyn on 2022-03-22 (5 stars): Such an amazing method— super simple, with delicious results. Thank you!!
Laura burns on 2022-03-22 (5 stars): I make this weekly - such a great way to quickly cook (tasty!) chicken for the #sassydesklunch
Brooke Mazurek on 2022-03-22 (5 stars): My go to way to cook chicken!
