Cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be easy and delicious with the right techniques. When preparing Eddy Southwest Style Chicken Breasts, there are some key steps to ensure moist, flavorful chicken every time.
Ingredients
To start, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon Southwest seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Southwest seasoning, you can use a store-bought blend or make your own mixture with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Prepare the Chicken
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any excess fat or membranes. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or wax paper and gently pound them to an even thickness, about 1⁄2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and the Southwest seasoning blend. Rub the seasoning into the meat. Drizzle the olive oil over both sides as well, to help the seasoning stick to the chicken.
Cook on the Stovetop
To cook the Southwest chicken breasts on the stovetop:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Optionally, add a couple tablespoons of water to the skillet and cover. The steam will help cook the chicken evenly. Cook covered for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and tent with foil. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cook in the Oven
To cook the chicken breasts in the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add 1 tsp oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear both sides until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook on the Grill
For delicious grilled Southwest chicken:
- Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for direct high-heat cooking. Clean and oil the grates.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill grates. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side with the lid closed, until well-browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- If flare-ups occur, move the chicken to a cooler area of the grill.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Air Fryer Method
To cook Southwest chicken breasts in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Brush or spray chicken with oil. Season with desired spices.
- Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, not overlapping.
- Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Instructions
To make moist, flavorful Southwest chicken breasts in the slow cooker:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper and Southwest seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and add 1⁄2 cup chicken broth or water.
- Cook on Low for 4-6 hours or High for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Moist, Tender Chicken Breasts
- Don’t overcook – Cook just until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Pound to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Let it rest after cooking for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
- Brine if cooking a large batch – soak in salted water before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Add liquid to the pan when cooking on the stovetop.
- Cook at a lower temperature for moistness.
Serving Suggestions
Southwest chicken breasts pair deliciously with:
- Rice or quinoa
- Black beans or pinto beans
- Sautéed peppers and onions
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Shredded lettuce
- Queso fresco
- Corn tortillas
- Hot sauce
Serve the chicken with desired accompaniments for a simple yet flavorful meal. Leftovers are great for salads, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Storage
Store leftover Southwest chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What spices are in Southwest seasoning?
Typical spices in Southwest seasoning blends include chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts. They may take slightly longer to cook. Remove the skin before eating if desired.
What if I don’t have a meat thermometer?
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should not be pink in the middle anymore when it is fully cooked.
How long does it last in the fridge?
Cooked Southwest chicken breasts will keep fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. Freeze for longer storage.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They may need a minute or two longer per side when cooking.
Nutrition Information
Southwest chicken breasts are a lean, protein-packed option. Here is the nutrition information per 4oz serving of boneless, skinless chicken breast:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 2g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 0g |
Chicken breast is an excellent source of protein without too much fat or carbs. Pair it with vegetables and grains for a balanced, healthy meal.
Conclusion
Cooking moist and flavorful Southwest chicken breasts is easy with these simple techniques. Pound them to an even thickness, cook over medium heat with a bit of liquid, and let them rest before slicing. Grill, bake, or slow cook the chicken for variety. Serve with rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, and other desired Southwest-inspired sides for an easy weeknight dinner. Store leftovers properly for healthy lunches or dinners later in the week.
