In fall, chicken breasts are an easy starting point for all kinds of dinners: crispy cutlets, quick weeknight skillet meals, cozy soups, saucy chicken Parm—and on warm early-fall evenings, there’s still time for one last round of grilled chicken.
Learning how to cook chicken breasts so that they stay moist and tender doesn’t take much practice, just a little technique. Start by buying the best chicken breast you can find. Then follow our tips for frying the crispiest chicken cutlets, learn the key to the juiciest grilled chicken, or check out almost every other way to cook chicken breast.
Because they’re leaner than thighs, chicken breasts can easily overcook. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (chicken breasts are safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 165°F), and let the meat rest before slicing so the juices redistribute. Sauces and marinades can also help keep chicken breasts flavorful and juicy.
