The Best Chicken Breast You'll Ever Make (Restaurant-Quality) | Epicurious 101

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making a perfectly succulent chicken breast, inspired by Chef Frank Proto's techniques from Epicurious 101. This step-by-step guide will help you avoid the common pitfalls of dry chicken and equip you with the knowledge to create restaurant-quality meals at home.

Step 1: Prepping The Chicken

To start, proper preparation is key to achieving juicy chicken breasts.

1. Choose the Right Chicken Breasts

   • Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.

2. Pound the Chicken

   • Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
   • Aim for about ½ inch thick.

3. Season Generously

   • Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
   • Feel free to add other spices or herbs for extra flavor, such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

4. Let it Rest

   • Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature. This step helps the meat absorb the flavors and cook evenly.

Step 2: Cooking The Chicken

Now that your chicken is prepped, it’s time to cook it properly.

1. Heat the Pan

   • Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan. Heat over medium-high heat.
   • Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the pan.

2. Cook the Chicken

   • Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken breasts to the pan.
   • Cook for 5-7 minutes on one side without moving them. This helps to develop a nice sear.
   • Flip the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

3. Rest the Chicken

   • Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Step 3: Making The Pan Sauce

A delicious pan sauce can elevate your chicken dish.

1. Deglaze the Pan

   • With the heat still on medium, add a splash of chicken stock or white wine to the hot pan. Scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release the browned bits.

2. Add Flavorings

   • You can add minced garlic, shallots, or herbs like thyme to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

3. Thicken the Sauce

   • Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce for a few minutes. You can whisk in a pat of butter for richness and to create a glossy finish.

4. Taste and Adjust

   • Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.

Step 4: Plate and Taste

Finally, it's time to serve your beautifully cooked chicken breast.

1. Slice the Chicken

   • Slice the chicken against the grain to ensure tenderness.

2. Serve with Sauce

   • Arrange the chicken slices on a plate and drizzle with the prepared pan sauce.

3. Garnish

   • Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can create a perfectly cooked chicken breast that is juicy and flavorful. Remember to pound the chicken for even cooking, rest it after cooking, and make a simple pan sauce to enhance the dish. Enjoy your delicious meal, and consider experimenting with different seasonings and sides for a complete dining experience!