Advice | Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts with these 4 tips (2024)

The email that arrived in my inbox last month laid out a common problem.

“For me, cooking chicken breasts is tricky because they are less forgiving than cooking dark meat — cook them too long and they are dry and don’t cook them enough and they are rubbery.”

Similar to what I recently wrote about how to not mess up a nice piece of fish, the key to properly cooked chicken breasts is, well, not overcooking them. Cooking meat covers a spectrum of textures, colors, flavors and, of course, temperatures. As you go higher in temperature, the proteins shrink, moisture is pushed out, and the meat turns stiff and dry. All those things are especially unpleasant, and easy to do, with chicken breasts. The margin of error is much lower than with chicken thighs and other dark meat, which can be juicier at temperatures up to 195 degrees.

Advice | Say goodbye to dry chicken breasts with these 4 tips (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep chicken breast from going dry? ›

Using a method called “dry-poaching” is best. It involves covering the breasts with a piece of parchment paper before they go in the oven. This allows them to baste in their own juices so they cook up to be tender and juicy.

How to make sure chicken breast is not dry? ›

Make sure your chicken breast is well-seasoned before adding it to the pan. Cook each side evenly until brown. Once done, bake the chicken breast in a pre-heated oven until juices run clear. The crispy skin from the sear will help keep juices intact while baking cooks the insides through without drying them out.

How to dry chicken breast? ›

If there is any fat adhering to the chicken, rinse away under hot water. Pull chunks apart into smaller pieces and spread out on dehydrator tray. Dry at 145 degrees for approximately eight hours.

What is the secret to moist chicken breast? ›

Brines and marinades help tenderize the meat by bringing more moisture in the protein. With that extra moisture, you lose less when you cook. The simplest way to do this is with a dry brine — unwrap the chicken breasts, salt them on both sides and let them sit in the fridge for at least an hour.

How to fry chicken breast so it's not dry? ›

I coat the chicken in oil and sprinkle coarse salt on it, then fry it in a dry pan on low heat with the lid on for about 15 minutes per side. It is fantastic and very moist breast.

How to keep chicken breast from getting dry in the crockpot? ›

If the chicken is cooked too long, it will become dry (even if you use broth or water) and tough. That means the best way to keep chicken from drying out in a crockpot is to stop cooking it as soon as it reaches the proper internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

What makes chicken less dry? ›

One method is to brine the chicken before cooking—this involves soaking the meat in a saltwater solution, which helps it retain moisture during cooking. Another option is to baste the chicken with flavorful liquids such as broth or wine during cooking.

How do you make dry chicken breast taste better? ›

Spoon University says that sauce is the key to salvaging dry chicken. Again, the recommendation here is to shred the chicken so that rich sauce can get into every crevice. Pesto, BBQ, and soy sauce will impart moisture and pack a punch in the flavor department.

Should I cover chicken breast with foil when baking? ›

When chicken is covered while baking, it traps steam and moisture within the dish, resulting in juicier results. The covering helps prevent excessive evaporation and keeps the chicken moist throughout the cooking process. Preventing dryness. Chicken tends to dry out more quickly when exposed to direct heat.

Does baking soda keep chicken breast moist? ›

The baking soda helps tenderize the chicken breast, the oil seals the moisture to keep the chicken tender, and the starch forms a thin crisp crust when stir-frying in a hot wok. You won't taste the baking soda in the marinade, so no need to rinse and dry the meat.

How do I make sure my chicken stays moist? ›

To start, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of salt for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won't be dry or tough.

Why is my chicken breast always dry and tough? ›

Overcooking the chicken! This transgression has contributed more to chicken breasts' poor reputation than any other. Don't desert the kitchen or grill when cooking this delicate meat! Thinner breast meat, such as cutlets, butterflied breasts, or satays, will cook in a matter of minutes.

How do you add moisture back to chicken breast? ›

You can do this by marinating the cooked chicken in a sauce or broth for a while. This can help rehydrate the meat and add some flavor. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the chicken could become mushy. Steam: Reheating the chicken with steam can help add moisture back into t.

What can I add to chicken to make it less dry? ›

One simple ingredient will add flavor and keep them from drying out every time: mayo. You read that correctly, mayonnaise isn't just for sandwiches and macaroni salads. Oh no, it's great for ensuring juicy, tender chicken too. Mayonnaise is a flavorful emulsion of eggs, oil, vinegar, and seasonings.

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