How to cook Perfect Chicken Breasts

How to cook Perfect Chicken Breasts 

(Remember - you will always get better results if you marinate your chicken).

1. Select a heavy skillet that can accommodate the chicken breasts in one layer. If the skillet is too large, pan juices can burn; if the skillet is too small, the overcrowded chicken will steam instead of brown.
2. If a chicken breast is significantly thicker in some parts than others, consider pounding it with a meat mallet to even it out.
3. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
4. If the skillet is not nonstick, lightly coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
5. Preheat the skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
6. Place the chicken in the skillet. Do not add any liquid and do not cover the skillet.
7. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear. This should take 8 to 12 minutes. As the chicken cooks, turn it occasionally so it browns evenly. If the poultry browns too quickly, reduce the heat to medium-low.
8. Chicken breasts are done when the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear (170 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer). Try not to overcook chicken breasts, as the meat can become stringy and dry.