Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most incredible, mouth-watering aroma of perfectly cooked chicken that practically melts in your mouth. This stovetop chicken recipe is about to revolutionize your cooking game, transforming ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you'll discover the magic of slow-cooking that turns simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet or stovetop pot, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- While the onions and garlic are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Once the onions and garlic are ready, push them to the side of the skillet and add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- After the chicken is browned, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken breasts are mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Let the chicken cook on low heat for about 4 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out. If necessary, add a bit more chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Serve the chicken with the sautéed onions and garlic, drizzling some of the broth over the top for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious stovetop chicken!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
- Low and Slow: The secret to tender chicken is cooking on low heat. Resist the temptation to rush the process - patience yields the most succulent results.
- Moisture Matters: Keep an eye on the liquid levels during cooking. If the broth starts to evaporate, add a little more to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Seasoning Hack: For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts for 30 minutes before cooking or adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the broth.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Versatility Tip: This chicken is perfect for shredding and using in tacos, salads, sandwiches, or as a protein-packed main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 110mg