Why does my chicken have a lot of water in the pan while it cooks?

This is a normal and expected part of the process! As the chicken thaws, it will release its frozen moisture. By keeping the pan covered, you trap this moisture and turn it into steam, which is what helps to cook the chicken gently and evenly.

My chicken is browned on the outside but still raw inside. What happened?

Your heat was too high. It is crucial to cook the chicken over a steady medium heat, not medium-high or high. A lower, gentler heat gives the chicken time to thaw and cook through to the center at the same rate that the outside is browning.

Can I use this method with other toppings?

Absolutely! This Pan-Fried Frozen Chicken Breast technique is a perfect base for all sorts of flavors. Try topping it with a spoonful of marinara and a slice of provolone for a "pizza" version, or a layer of BBQ sauce and a slice of cheddar cheese. Just be sure to check for doneness with a thermometer!

Pan-Fried Frozen Chicken Breast: The #1 Ultimate 20-Minute Recipe Hack

How to Cook Perfect Pan-Fried Frozen Chicken Breast (Caprese-Style!)

A quick and easy one-pan meal, this recipe for Caprese chicken is specifically designed to be cooked directly from frozen. The frozen chicken breasts are pan-seared in a covered skillet until golden brown. They are then flipped and topped with slices of fresh beefsteak tomato and mozzarella cheese, and cooked until the chicken is done and the cheese is melted. The dish is finished with fresh basil for a classic Caprese flavor.

Author: Evelyn
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
4 individually frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 8 ounces each)
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 beefsteak tomato, cut into four 1/4-inch-thick slices
8 ounces mozzarella, cut into four 1/4-inch-thick slices
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Add the olive oil to a large nonstick skillet and heat it over medium heat.
Gently place the frozen chicken breasts in the skillet. Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes, until the bottoms are golden brown.
Flip the chicken breasts over. Sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper.
Top each chicken breast with a slice of tomato and then a slice of mozzarella.
Sprinkle the mozzarella with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper.
Cover the skillet again and continue to cook for about 10 more minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F.
Top the finished chicken with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

This recipe’s key feature is its method for cooking chicken directly from a frozen state, which is great for a last-minute meal.
Using a nonstick skillet with a tight-fitting lid is essential for this cooking method to work properly.
Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Ingredient substitutions are noted as being available on the source website.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
Calories: 550-650
Sugar: 3-5 g
Sodium: 800-1000 mg
Fat: 30-40 g
Saturated Fat: 15-20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4-6 g
Fiber: 1-2 g
Protein: 60-70 g
Cholesterol: 200-240 mg

Find it online: https://cookupjoy.com/pan-fried-frozen-chicken-breast/