Is chicken better in skillet or oven?

While both baking and pan frying can give you tasty, juicy chicken, if you are in a hurry, it is better to pan fry it. Because baked chicken breast is easy to dry out, it needs time to brine or marinade before you cook it. ... Pan frying chicken breast is a more moist cooking method because of the oil. More items...

How long to sear chicken on cast iron?

How to Cook Chicken Breasts in a Cast Iron Skillet Season. Heat the oil in the skillet over medium high. Pan sear each side for 6-8 minutes. Brown the garlic & herbs. Mix together the compound butter. May 4, 2022

Should I cover chicken when cooking on skillet?

If you're frying it leave the pan uncovered . If you're roasting it, I like to cover it for the first 45 minutes, then uncover it and let it brown until completely done. I have a recipe where the chicken is baked on top of rice and liquid, I cover it for the whole cooking time.

Should I cover my chicken on skillet?

By pan-frying your chicken, you let it get nice and brown on both sides. And, by using a lid, you create a steamy environment that traps in moisture, leaving you with juicy chicken breasts instead of dried out, stringy meat.

Is it better to sear chicken in oil or butter?

Can you cook chicken with butter instead of oil? You have to cook chicken at a lower temperature if you bake or pan-fry chicken using butter instead of oil . This is because butter has a lower scorching temperature. Your chicken will cook more slowly, but it's also likely to be juicier and full of more flavor.

How to fry chicken in a cast iron skillet without burning it?

A large, well-seasoned cast-iron skillet will pan-fry your chicken without sticking. Using medium-high heat, wait until the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. Let it cook on one side, without turning, until properly browned. When the chicken releases from the pan without sticking, turn to cook the other side.

What is the best oil to sear chicken in?

Searing works best with a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, that retains heat well and can go from stove to oven if necessary. To prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan, use a high-heat cooking oil like canola .

What is the best cooking method for chicken?

Baking/roasting For baking, Wings, drumsticks, chicken thigh cutlets and whole chickens are best. As these cuts have a bone in the centre, it takes these cuts longer to cook all the way through. By baking, the drumstick will be cooked by an even heat all over, while gently cooking the skin at the same time.

Is it better to pan fry or put meat in the oven?

But when it comes to cooking steak indoors, you shouldn't choose between the stovetop or oven — instead, use both . In fact, whether they are seared on a grill or in a pan, finishing steaks in the oven is the standard in fine restaurants everywhere, and for good reason.

Is it healthier to cook chicken in oven?

Fried chicken might taste delicious, but frying chicken increases the fat content. Roasted chicken is a better option because it has lower saturated fats and cholesterol . It's also packed with protein, vitamin B12 and iron. If you're looking to increase protein in your diet, roasted chicken is an excellent source.

What is the healthiest way to cook chicken on the stove?

Poached Chicken Poaching is great because it adds virtually no fat to your food, yet yields subtle flavour and moisture. To poach your chicken, add your ingredients (chicken and any other vegetables, aromatics, and spices you like) to a skillet or pot, and add a cooking liquid such as broth, wine, or coconut milk.

Southwestern Chicken Skillet (2024)

Home » Main Course / Entrees » Chicken and Turkey

ByCarolMarch 23, 2022March 23, 2022

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4.77 from 13 votes

45 minutes minutes

Jump To Recipe

Here’s an easy family dinner sure to put a smile on everyone’s face! Made with simple ingredients you may already have on hand, saucy and cheesy Southwestern Chicken Skillet can be on the table in about 45 minutes! All you need is some seasoned cauliflower rice on the side!

IN THIS ARTICLE

Why This Recipe is a Keeper:

Raise your hand if you’re always on the lookout for new, delicious chicken recipes–especially an easy chicken skillet recipe! Same here–and this has become one of our favorites!

Boneless skinless chicken breast halves are seasoned with taco seasoning, seared then nestled in saucy vegetables and black beans then topped with cheese for a flavor-filled medley you’ll want to put on repeat!

This Southwestern Chicken Skillet recipe:

Is easy with minimal prep.
Has ingredients available in any grocery store or that you may already have in your pantry.
Can be ready in about 45 minutes.
Is freezer-friendly!

Let’s make it!

How to Make Southwestern Chicken Skillet:

Recipe Ingredients:

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this recipe along with how to prep. See the recipe card below for the exact quantities.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

Chicken: I used boneless skinless chicken breast halves, but boneless skinless chicken thighs (which are super budget-friendly) can also be used.
Taco Seasoning: I used regular store-bought taco seasoning, but any Southwestern spice blend can be used. You can also blend your own with chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander and Mexican oregano.
Enchilada Sauce: If you prefer to make your own enchilada sauce, here’s a great recipe from The Kitchen Girl.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Usually sold under the brand name Ro-Tel.
Canned Black Beans: Be sure to drain and rinse thoroughly as the liquid the beans are canned in can be quite salty.
Corn: Use frozen thawed corn or canned.

Step-By-Step Instructions:

Gather and prep all the ingredients.
Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper and some of the taco seasoning.

Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or saute pan over medium-high heat.
Place the seasoned chicken in the preheated skillet and brown well on the first side, approximately 4-5 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook 3-4 minutes on the other side, adjusting the heat as necessary so the spice blend doesn’t burn. Transfer the chicken to a plate. (The chicken will not be completely cooked.)

Refresh the oil if needed and add the onion to the skillet. Cook the onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes or until it begins to soften.
Add the bell peppers and garlic and continue cooking another 3-4 minutes or until softened.

Add the remaining taco seasoning, the enchilada sauce, diced tomatoes with green chiles.
Bring that up to a simmer and add the chicken back into the skillet.

Cover with the lid slightly ajar, reduce heat to low and simmer, turning once, until the chicken is completely cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees in the center.
Add the drained, rinsed beans and the corn and simmer a few more minutes to heat through.

Top with cheese then place the lid back on to melt the cheese.
Sprinkle with cilantro…

…top with fresh jalapeno slices if desired and DINNER IS DONE! Southwestern Chicken Skillet for the family dinner win!

Chef Tips and Tricks:

When you can grab chicken breasts on sale and can stock up:
- Take some time to trim them all and place flat in quart-sized bags with two breast halves per bag.
- Label the bag with the date and freeze for 3-4 months.
- I like to place a few of the bags in a gallon-sized bag so they’re easier to access in the freezer and they can’t get lost.
- Freezing chicken breasts in small, divided quantities that are flat will make them much easier to defrost.
To speed up cooking, cut the chicken breasts (or thighs) into cubes.
For a nice presentation, always sear the top (or the best side) of any protein first.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I add rice to Southwestern Skillet Chicken?

Yes, you absolutely can but you’ll want to add additional liquid in the form of water or chicken broth if the rice needs to be cooked. The quantity of liquid will depend on how much rice you use. The ratio is typically two parts liquid to one part rice.

Serve with:

Southwestern Sweet Potato Wedges with Avocado-Cilantro Sour Cream
Southwestern Orzo Pasta Salad with Cilantro – Lime Dressing
Skillet Charred Green Beans with Goat Cheese Chipotle Butter
Summer Squash Casserole
Southwestern Seasoned Cauliflower Rice

More family-friendly, tasty Southwestern-inspired chicken recipes:

Southwestern Chicken Orzo and Black Bean Skillet
Chicken and Spanish Rice Stuffed Peppers
Mexican Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Tortilla Casserole
Chicken Brown Rice and Cheese Stuffed Poblanos

Get all my chicken recipes here! Chicken and Turkey Recipes – From A Chef’s Kitchen, and don’t miss this collection of all my Mexican-Inspired Recipes!

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