How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts in a Skillet: Perfect Timing Guide

Cook chicken breasts in a skillet for 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time typically ranges from 12-20 minutes depending on thickness, starting temperature, and stove heat output.

Perfectly cooked chicken breasts should be juicy, tender, and safe to eat—not dry and rubbery. Getting this right depends on more than just timing; understanding the variables that affect cooking ensures consistent results every time. Let's break down exactly how to achieve restaurant-quality chicken at home.

Why Timing Varies: Key Factors Affecting Skillet Cooking

While the standard recommendation is 6-8 minutes per side, several factors influence the actual cooking time needed:

• Thickness – Thicker cuts require longer cooking
• Starting temperature – Cold chicken from the fridge takes longer than room-temperature
• Heat consistency – Gas vs. electric stoves produce different heat patterns
• Pan type – Cast iron retains heat better than stainless steel
• Covering the pan – Creates steam that speeds up cooking but affects browning

Chicken Breast Thickness	Recommended Cooking Time	Internal Temperature Target
1/2 inch (1.3 cm)	8-10 minutes total	160°F (71°C)
3/4 inch (1.9 cm)	12-15 minutes total	162°F (72°C)
1 inch (2.5 cm)	15-20 minutes total	165°F (74°C)
Pounded thin (1/4 inch)	4-6 minutes total	160°F (71°C)

According to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidelines, poultry must reach 165°F (74°C) to eliminate harmful bacteria like salmonella. However, removing chicken at 160-162°F and allowing it to rest for 5 minutes achieves the same safety while preventing overcooking. USDA poultry safety guidelines confirm this approach maintains food safety while optimizing texture.

Step-by-Step Skillet Cooking Method

Follow this proven process for perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time:

Preparation (5 minutes)

• Pat chicken dry with paper towels – moisture prevents proper browning
• Season both sides generously with salt and pepper (and other spices if desired)
• Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for more even cooking
• Preheat skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of high smoke-point oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

Cooking Process (12-20 minutes)

1. Place chicken in hot skillet away from you to prevent oil splatter
2. Cook undisturbed for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and releases easily from pan
3. Flip chicken and cook additional 6-12 minutes depending on thickness
4. Check internal temperature with instant-read thermometer in thickest part
5. Remove from heat when thermometer reads 160-162°F (71-72°C)

Resting (5 minutes)

Cover loosely with foil and let rest before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Visual and Tactile Doneness Indicators

While a thermometer is most reliable, these secondary indicators help confirm doneness:

• Color change – White throughout with no pink areas
• Texture – Firm but yielding when pressed (not hard or rubbery)
• Juices – Clear, not pink when pierced
• Time elapsed – 12-20 minutes total cooking time as reference

Avoiding Common Skillet Cooking Mistakes

These frequent errors lead to dry, unevenly cooked, or unsafe chicken:

• Moving chicken too soon – Wait until it releases naturally from the pan
• Crowding the pan – Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper heat
• Overcooking – Remove at 160-162°F (71-72°C) before resting
• Skipping the rest period – Cutting too soon releases precious juices
• Using low heat – Medium-high heat creates proper sear without burning

Adjusting for Different Cooking Scenarios

Special circumstances require timing adjustments:

• Frozen chicken – Add 5-8 minutes per side; never cook frozen chicken without thawing for food safety
• Cast iron vs. stainless steel – Cast iron may require slightly lower heat to prevent burning
• Gas vs. electric stoves – Electric often has hotter hot spots; rotate pan occasionally
• Marinated chicken – Pat very dry before cooking to ensure proper browning

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Proper storage maintains quality and safety:

• Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking in airtight container
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality
• Reheat gently in skillet with splash of broth or water to prevent drying
• Microwave reheating requires lower power setting (50%) and frequent checking

Perfect Skillet Chicken Breast Recipe

Try this simple method for consistently excellent results:

1. Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper
2. Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat
3. Cook chicken 7 minutes undisturbed until golden brown
4. Flip and cook additional 5-8 minutes until thermometer reads 162°F (72°C)
5. Remove from heat, tent with foil, and rest 5 minutes
6. Slice against the grain and serve

This approach for how long to cook chicken breasts in a skillet without drying out delivers tender, juicy results every time. For those wondering how long to cook chicken breasts in a skillet on medium heat, add 2-3 minutes per side while monitoring internal temperature closely.

How do I know when chicken breasts are done cooking in a skillet?

Chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer. Visual cues include golden brown color, clear juices when pierced, and firm but yielding texture when pressed. The most reliable method is using a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast.

Should I cover chicken when cooking in a skillet?

Covering chicken while cooking creates steam that speeds up the cooking process but prevents proper browning. For best results, cook uncovered to develop a golden crust. If the chicken is browning too quickly but not reaching proper internal temperature, you can cover it for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Why is my chicken breast dry even when I follow cooking time recommendations?

Chicken becomes dry when overcooked past 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. Remove chicken at 160-162°F (71-72°C) and let it rest for 5 minutes, as the temperature will continue rising. Other causes include not letting chicken come to room temperature before cooking, using too low heat, or cutting into it immediately after cooking without allowing proper resting time.

How long should chicken rest after cooking in a skillet?

Chicken should rest for 5 minutes after cooking in a skillet. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more tender and moist chicken. Cover loosely with foil during resting to keep it warm without trapping too much steam.

Can I cook chicken breasts from frozen in a skillet?

While possible, cooking chicken breasts directly from frozen isn't recommended for best results. Frozen chicken requires significantly longer cooking time (about 50% more), often leading to uneven cooking where the outside overcooks before the inside reaches safe temperature. For food safety and quality, thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.