To cook chicken breasts so they taste like they are pre-cooked, you can follow these steps:
Tenderize the Chicken: Use a meat mallet or the back of a heavy pan to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps to ensure they cook evenly and result in a tender texture.
Marinate the Chicken: Prepare a simple marinade using your choice of ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, spices, and salt. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) can infuse flavor and help to tenderize the meat.
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds flavor.
Transfer to the Oven: Place the seared chicken breasts onto a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in moist and flavorful chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into desired portions before serving.
By following these steps, you can achieve chicken breasts that are tender, flavorful, and resemble pre-cooked chicken. Remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the chicken breasts to ensure they are fully cooked but not overdone.