How long to cook chicken breast on stove is one of the most searched cooking questions—and for good reason. Chicken breast is lean, quick-cooking, and healthy, but it can turn dry, rubbery, or undercooked if you get the timing wrong. The good news? Once you understand heat, thickness, timing, and temperature, cooking chicken breast on the stovetop becomes simple, repeatable, and stress-free.
This complete guide will walk you through exact cooking times, explain how long to cook chicken breast on stove top, clarify how long to cook chicken breast on stove medium heat, and even cover niche but important questions like how long to cook chicken breast on stove in water. Everything is written in a clear, human, beginner-friendly tone, while still being fully SEO-optimized.
Exactly How Long to Cook Chicken Breast on the Stove
Let’s start with the answer most people want right away.
Chicken breast takes about 12–16 minutes total to cook on the stove, depending on thickness and heat level. That usually breaks down to 5–8 minutes per side on medium to medium-high heat, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
But that number alone isn’t enough. Thickness, pan heat, and cooking method all matter—and ignoring them is why chicken often turns out dry.
Chicken Breast Cooking Time at a Glance
| Chicken Breast Thickness | Heat Level | Minutes Per Side | Total Time |
| Thin (½ inch / 1.3 cm) | Medium | 4–5 minutes | 8–10 min |
| Medium (¾ inch / 2 cm) | Medium | 5–6 minutes | 10–12 min |
| Thick (1 inch+ / 2.5 cm) | Medium-low | 7–8 minutes | 14–16 min |
IMPORTANT: These times assume boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a preheated pan with oil.
Why Thickness Matters More Than Weight
One of the most common mistakes home cooks make is focusing on weight instead of thickness. Two chicken breasts can weigh the same but cook very differently if one is thicker.
Thicker chicken breasts:
- Take longer to cook
- Brown faster on the outside
- Stay raw longer in the center
This is why many experienced cooks pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. It’s not a chef trick—it’s a practical solution that improves doneness and juiciness.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast on Stove Medium Heat
Cooking chicken breast on medium heat is the safest and most reliable option for most kitchens.
When using medium heat:
- Expect 6–8 minutes per side
- Total time: 12–16 minutes
- Best for thicker chicken breasts
- Reduces risk of burning the outside
If your stove runs hot (many do), medium heat is often better than medium-high. The chicken should sizzle gently, not aggressively.
IMPORTANT: If the pan is smoking, the heat is too high.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast on Stove Top (Step-by-Step)
Cooking chicken breast on the stove top isn’t complicated, but it does require attention. Follow this method and your results will be consistent every time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Remove chicken from the fridge 10–15 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Dry chicken = better browning.
Step 2: Preheat the Pan
Heat a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Add oil once the pan is hot. The oil should shimmer, not smoke.
Step 3: Cook the First Side
Place the chicken in the pan and don’t move it. Let it cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes, depending on thickness.
This creates a golden-brown crust, which seals in moisture.
Step 4: Flip and Finish Cooking
Flip once and cook the second side for another 5–7 minutes. Lower the heat slightly if browning happens too fast.
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Remove from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute and prevents dryness.
How to Tell When Chicken Breast Is Fully Cooked
The safest and most accurate way to know chicken is done is by checking internal temperature.
- Fully cooked chicken breast: 165°F (74°C)
- Use an instant-read thermometer
- Insert into the thickest part
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs:
- Meat is white throughout, not pink
- Juices run clear
- Chicken feels firm but springy
IMPORTANT: Cutting too early releases juices and dries out the chicken.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast on Stove in Water
This method is less common but still searched often.
How long to cook chicken breast on stove in water depends on whether you are boiling or poaching.
Boiling
- Bring water to a boil
- Add chicken breast
- Reduce to simmer
- Cook 12–15 minutes
- Internal temp must reach 165°F
Poaching (Better Option)
- Water barely simmering
- Gentle heat
- Cook 15–18 minutes
- Results in more tender chicken
This method is often used for:
- Shredded chicken
- Soups
- Meal prep
- Low-fat diets
However, boiling does not develop flavor or browning, so stovetop pan-cooking is better for most meals.
Should You Cover Chicken Breast While Cooking on Stove?
This is a commonly missed topic—and an important one.
Covering chicken breast while cooking:
- Traps heat
- Helps thicker breasts cook evenly
- Reduces moisture loss
Best practice:
- Start uncovered for browning
- Cover loosely after flipping if chicken is thick
Avoid covering the pan the entire time, as this prevents browning and can make the texture rubbery.
Boneless vs Bone-In Chicken Breast Cooking Time
Most recipes assume boneless chicken breasts, but bone-in breasts require adjustments.
- Boneless: 12–16 minutes
- Bone-in: 20–30 minutes
- Lower heat required
- Always check internal temperature near the bone
Bone-in chicken holds moisture well but takes longer and needs patience.
Common Mistakes That Make Chicken Breast Dry
Dry chicken isn’t bad luck—it’s technique.
The most common mistakes include:
- Cooking on heat that’s too high
- Skipping resting time
- Cooking straight from the fridge
- Flipping too often
- Overcooking “just to be safe”
Avoiding these alone will dramatically improve results.
How to Keep Chicken Breast Juicy on the Stove
Juicy chicken breast is about control, not complexity.
Key strategies:
- Cook on medium heat
- Pound to even thickness
- Use enough oil
- Flip only once
- Rest before slicing
- Finish with butter if desired
A small pat of butter at the end adds richness and moisture without overpowering the chicken.
Cooking Chicken Breast for Meal Prep
Stovetop chicken breast is excellent for meal prep when cooked properly.
Tips:
- Slightly undercook (pull at 160°F)
- Rest well
- Store airtight
- Reheat gently
This keeps the chicken moist even after reheating.
Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Breast on the Stove?
Yes—but it’s not ideal.
Frozen chicken breast:
- Takes 50% longer
- Cooks unevenly
- Requires lower heat
If possible, thaw first. If not, expect 18–25 minutes total, and monitor temperature closely.
Best Pan for Cooking Chicken Breast on Stove
Pan choice affects results more than many realize.
- Cast iron: Best sear, even heat
- Stainless steel: Great browning, needs oil
- Nonstick: Easiest, less browning
Choose based on confidence and cleanup preference.
READ MORE >>> How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in Oven (Time & Temp Guide)
Quick Troubleshooting Guide
If chicken browns too fast, lower heat.
The If chicken sticks, it’s not ready to flip.
If chicken is dry, it cooked too long or too hot.
If chicken is pink inside, cook longer at lower heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook chicken breast per side on stove?
Usually 5–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Is chicken cooked at 165°F?
Yes. 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
Can chicken be slightly pink?
Color can vary, but temperature matters more than appearance.
Do you cook chicken on medium or high heat?
Medium heat is best for most stovetop cooking.
Final Summary
Cooking chicken breast on the stove doesn’t need to be intimidating. When you understand how long to cook chicken breast on stove, control your heat, respect thickness, and rest the meat properly, you get juicy, flavorful, and safe chicken every time.
Remember:
- 12–16 minutes total
- Medium heat
- 165°F internal temperature
- Rest before slicing
Master these basics, and stovetop chicken breast becomes one of the easiest and most reliable meals in your kitchen.
