When cooking boneless chicken breasts, the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken, the cooking method, and desired doneness. However, there are some general guidelines for how long to cook boneless chicken breasts on each side.
Quick Answer
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are around 1 inch thick, a good rule of thumb is:
- 3-5 minutes per side for a medium doneness
- 4-6 minutes per side for well-done
Thinner cutlets may only need 2-3 minutes per side. Larger, thicker breasts may need 6-8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.
Detailed Answer
The exact cooking time for boneless chicken breasts will depend on a few factors:
Thickness
Thinner chicken breasts will cook faster than thick ones. Very thin cutlets may only need 2-3 minutes per side. A thick chicken breast may need upwards of 8 minutes per side.
Cooking Method
Methods like grilling or broiling will cook the chicken more quickly than baking or poaching. Frying will be the fastest. Oven temperatures also impact cooking times.
Doneness
The minimum safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. However, many people prefer white meat cooked to a medium doneness of around 155-160°F, which requires less time. Allowing the chicken to rest also raises the internal temperature 5-10°.
Size and Shape
The shape and surface area of the chicken will impact cooking times. Chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness will cook faster than those left thick and irregular. Smaller cutlets from the thin end of the breast may cook faster as well.
Cooking Guidelines
For average sized, 1-inch thick boneless, skinless chicken breasts, these general guidelines apply:
| Doneness | Cooking Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| Medium (155-160°F) | 3-5 minutes |
| Well-done (165°F) | 4-6 minutes |
Keep in mind that carryover cooking will raise the internal temperature about 5-10°F after removing from the heat. So for medium doneness, pull the chicken off the heat when it reaches 150°F internally.
For thinner cutlets, around 1/2 inch thick, cooking time may be reduced to 2-3 minutes per side.
For very thick chicken breasts, upwards of 2 inches, you may need to extend the cooking time up to 8 minutes per side. You can also pound them to a more even thickness which helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Cooking Tips
To ensure juicy, properly cooked boneless chicken breasts, keep these tips in mind:
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness, not just cooking time.
- Allow the chicken to rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan which steams the chicken instead of browning.
- Ensure the pan and oil are hot before adding chicken for proper browning.
- Cook to just under desired doneness, as carryover cooking will increase the temperature once removed from the heat.
- Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness will help them cook faster and more evenly.
Cooking Methods
How you choose to cook the chicken will impact total cooking time. Here are some common cooking methods and approximate guidelines:
Pan-Searing
In a hot pan with just a little oil, sear chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 3-5 minutes per side. Thinner cutlets will need less time. Aim to sear each side until nicely browned before finishing in a 375°F oven for about 5-10 minutes if needed to reach desired internal temperature.
Grilling
Over direct medium heat on the grill, cook boneless chicken for 4-6 minutes per side. Thinner breasts may need only 2-3 minutes. Move to indirect heat if chicken is not yet up to temperature and grill until done, about 5-10 minutes more.
Baking
Bake in a 375°F oven for 18-25 minutes total, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Time will vary based on thickness. Tent with foil and allow to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven as temperature will rise.
Poaching
Gently simmer chicken breasts in broth, stock or water for 8-12 minutes until cooked through and bare minimum internal temperature is met. Breasts may need longer if very thick.
Broiling
Place chicken breasts on a broiler pan and broil for approximately 8-12 minutes total. Flip chicken over halfway through cooking time. Monitor thickness and adjust time as needed.
Frying
In a skillet with 1/4 inch hot oil, fry chicken cutlets for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until browned, crispy and cooked through. Boneless chicken breasts may take 4-5 minutes per side to fry thoroughly.
Internal Temperatures
The best way to ensure your boneless chicken is fully cooked but still juicy is to use an instant-read thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast to determine doneness:
| Doneness | Minimum Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Undercooked | Under 145°F |
| Medium | 155-160°F |
| Well-done | 165°F |
The USDA recommends chicken reach a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F. However, 155-160°F is often preferred for juicier white meat chicken. Let chicken rest about 5 minutes before serving, as temperature will rise further during that time through carryover cooking.
Conclusion
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts of average thickness, a good estimate is 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness and 4-6 minutes per side for well-done. However, an instant-read thermometer is the best way to determine exact doneness and ensure a safe internal temperature is reached. Factors like thickness, cooking method and even the shape of the chicken can impact cooking times as well. Following basic cooking guidelines along with the use of a thermometer will result in perfectly cooked, juicy boneless chicken every time.