How do You grill chicken in a pan?

How to Grill Chicken in a Pan

Grilling chicken in a pan may not be the most conventional method, but it can yield delicious and tender results with the right techniques and ingredients. In this article, we will guide you through the process of grilling chicken in a pan, covering everything from preparation to cooking.

How do You Grill Chicken in a Pan?

To grill chicken in a pan, you will need:

• 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into desired size
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons of your preferred marinade (e.g., olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic)
• 1-2 tablespoons of your preferred grill-seasoning blend** (e.g., paprika, cumin, and chili powder)
• A large cast-iron or stainless steel pan with a thick bottom and a non-stick coating

Preparation

1. Preheat the pan: Place the pan over medium-high heat and let it heat up for 5-7 minutes. Don’t skip this step, as this will ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts to taste. For added flavor, you can also mix in your preferred marinade.
3. Add oil and grilling seasonings: Add the desired amount of oil to the preheated pan, then sprinkle the grill seasonings evenly over the chicken.

Grilling

1. Seal the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the pan and seal the edges with a spatula for about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
2. Grill the chicken: Flip the chicken every 3-4 minutes to prevent burning. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) for medium-well cooking.
3. Achieve those grill marks: Keep the chicken in the pan for an additional 2-3 minutes after reaching the desired temperature, to achieve those golden-brown grill marks.

Pan Grilling Tips

• Use a medium-high heat for proper searing and to prevent sticking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lead to uneven cooking. Cook chicken breasts separately if necessary.
• Don’t stir the chicken too often, as this can prevent the grill marks from forming.
• Keep the chicken moist, by not over-cooking it and keeping it covered with oil and grilling seasonings.
• Don’t press down on the chicken with your spatula while it’s grilling, as this can squeeze out juices and make the chicken tough.

Tips for Achieving Different Grill Marks

• Diagonal grill marks: Flip the chicken breast at an angle to create a diagonal pattern.
• Parallel grill marks: Flip the chicken breast perpendicularly to create parallel marks.
• Thick, golden-brown grill marks: Cook the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes after reaching the desired temperature, to create a thick, golden-brown crust.

Pan Grilled Chicken Recipes

Try these mouth-watering pan grilled chicken recipes to elevate your grilling game:

• Lemon and Herb: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and chopped herbs like rosemary and thyme.
• Asian-Style: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Glaze with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar during cooking.
• Mediterranean-Style: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Top with a mixture of feta cheese, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

Grilling chicken in a pan requires attention to detail and a few basic techniques, but the results are well worth the effort. By following the steps outlined in this article and experimenting with different marinades and seasonings, you can achieve a delicious and tender grilled chicken dish with minimal equipment and fuss.