Welcome to our latest blog post, where we’ll be diving into the world of the 8 oz chicken breast. This versatile and nutritious cut of meat is a staple in many kitchens around the world, and for a good reason. Not only is it a great source of protein, but it’s also relatively low in fat and calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
An 8 oz chicken breast is a cut of meat that comes from the breast of a chicken. It typically weighs 8 ounces, or around 225 grams, and is a lean and versatile cut of meat that is often used in a variety of recipes. It is a good source of protein and is low in fat and calories. Chicken breast can be grilled, baked, sautéed, or used in soups and stews.
It can also be breaded and fried for a crispy texture. The possibilities for cooking chicken breast are endless, making it a popular choice for both home cooks and professional chefs. It’s also a great option for meal prepping and those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
How to cook 8 oz chicken breast
Cooking an 8 oz chicken breast can be done in a variety of ways, depending on your preference and the recipe you are using. Here are some popular methods:
- Grilling: To grill an 8 oz chicken breast, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baking: To bake an 8 oz chicken breast, preheat your oven to 425°F. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Sautéing: To sauté an 8 oz chicken breast, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Pan-Frying: To pan-fry an 8 oz chicken breast, heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Poaching: To poach an 8 oz chicken breast, bring a pot of water or chicken stock to a simmer. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Place the chicken in the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
It’s important to note that the internal temperature of the chicken breast should reach 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat. It’s also a good idea to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Additionally, you can marinate the chicken breast for added flavor and moistness; breading or coating with breadcrumbs, grated cheese, or herbs and spices before cooking is also popular.
Feel free to experiment with different methods and seasonings to find the perfect way to cook your 8 oz chicken breast.
8 oz chicken breast nutrition facts
An 8 oz (around 225 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast contains approximately:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 60 grams
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated fat: 2 grams
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
Chicken breast is a lean cut of meat and is considered a good source of protein. It’s also low in fat, particularly saturated fat, which makes it a healthy option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
The high protein content in the chicken breast can help to build and repair muscle and also help in weight management. The relatively low-calorie count is also beneficial for those trying to lose weight.
It’s important to note that the nutrition facts can vary depending on the cooking method and any added ingredients. For example, breaded or fried chicken breast will have a higher calorie and fat content. It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition information of a specific product or recipe before consuming it, as it can vary depending on the source, processing, and preparation.
How many calories are in an 8 oz chicken breast?
An 8 oz (around 225 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast contains approximately 300 calories.
It’s important to note that the calorie count can vary depending on the cooking method and any added ingredients. For example, breaded or fried chicken breast will have a higher calorie content. Additionally, calorie count may vary depending on the source, processing, and preparation of the chicken breast.
It’s always a good idea to check the nutrition information of a specific product or recipe before consuming it, as it can vary depending on these factors.
How long does it take to bake 8 oz chicken breast at 350 degrees?
The baking time for an 8 oz (around 225 grams) chicken breast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit can vary depending on the thickness of the breast, whether it is bone-in or boneless, and whether it is pounded to an even thickness or not. Generally, it takes about 20-25 minutes to bake a boneless, skinless chicken breast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
Here is a guide for baking time:
- 8 oz chicken breast, boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness: 20-25 minutes.
- 8 oz chicken breast, bone-in, skin-on: 25-30 minutes
It’s always a good idea to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature and also to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
How to pan fry 8 oz chicken breast
Here’s a simple recipe for pan-frying an 8 oz (around 225 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast:
Tools:
- a skillet or frying pan
- a spatula
- a meat thermometer
- a bowl for marinade ( optional)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- salt
- pepper
- oil or butter for cooking
- any other desired seasonings or marinade (optional)
Instructions:
- If you want to marinate the chicken, place the chicken breast in a bowl and cover it with your desired marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or herbs.
- Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, place the chicken breast in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use a spatula to flip the chicken breast and continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
- Remove the chicken breast from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
This is a basic recipe for pan-frying an 8 oz chicken breast, but you can add additional seasonings or herbs to the chicken for added flavor.
Also, you can use butter or oil with garlic or shallot for added taste. The important thing to remember is to cook the chicken breast until the internal temperature has reached 165°F to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
How to grill 8 oz chicken breast
Grilling is a great way to cook 8 oz (around 225 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, and it imparts a nice smoky flavor to the meat. Here’s a simple recipe for grilling an 8 oz chicken breast:
Tools:
- a grill
- a spatula
- a meat thermometer
- a bowl for marinade ( optional)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oil or butter for brushing
- any other desired seasonings or marinade (optional)
Instructions:
- If you want to marinate the chicken, place the chicken breast in a bowl and cover it with your desired marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or herbs.
- Brush the chicken breast with oil or butter to help prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Place the chicken breast on the grill, and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Use a spatula to flip the chicken breast and continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
- Remove the chicken breast from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
It’s important to note that the grilling time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast and the heat of the grill. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature.
How to season 8 oz chicken breast
Seasoning an 8 oz (around 225 grams) chicken breast is a simple and easy way to add flavor to this versatile cut of meat. Here are a few tips on how to season a chicken breast:
- Salt and pepper: The most basic and versatile seasoning for chicken breast is a simple combination of salt and pepper. Sprinkle the chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides before cooking.
- Herbs and Spices: You can add additional flavor to your chicken breast by using herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, paprika, garlic powder, or cumin. You can either rub them on the chicken or add them to a marinade.
- Dry Rub: Another way to add flavor to the chicken breast is by using a dry rub. You can make your own dry rub by mixing together different herbs and spices such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar.
- Lemon and Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice or zest of lemon or orange can add a nice acidic note and brighten up the flavors of the chicken.
- Marinate: You can also marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of oil, acid (such as lemon juice or vinegar), and seasonings for added flavor and moisture.
- Experiment: There are countless ways to season chicken breast, so feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings and flavors to find what you like best.
It’s important to remember that a little bit of seasoning goes a long way, so be careful not to overdo it. Always taste the chicken before serving to check the seasoning and adjust as necessary.
How long to boil 8 oz chicken breast?
Boiling is a great way to cook 8 oz (around 225 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast, and it can be used to make a variety of dishes.
The time it takes to boil a chicken breast depends on the size of the chicken breast and whether it is pounded to an even thickness or not. Generally, it takes about 12-15 minutes to boil a boneless, skinless chicken breast.
Here is a guide for boiling time:
- 8 oz chicken breast, boneless, skinless, pounded to even thickness: 12-15 minutes.
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for it to be safe to eat.
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water or chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low.
- Let the chicken breasts simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
It’s important to note that the boiling time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breast, and it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure that it has reached a safe temperature.
How to tenderize 8 oz chicken breast
There are several methods to tenderize chicken breast, including:
- Using a meat mallet: Place the chicken breast in a resealable plastic bag and pound it evenly with a meat mallet until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Using a marinade: Marinate the chicken breast in a mixture of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar. The acid in the marinade helps to break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender.
- Using a brine: Soak the chicken breast in a saltwater brine for several hours before cooking. The salt helps to break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender.
- Using a meat tenderizer powder: Dust the chicken breast with a meat tenderizer powder containing enzymes that break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender
- Cook it low and slow: Cook chicken with low heat for a longer period of time; it will break down the connective tissue in the chicken and make it more tender.
- Cook Sous-vide method: Cook chicken breast in a water bath with a temperature controller for a longer period of time; it will make the chicken breast more tender and juicy.
Best marinade for 8 oz chicken breast
Here is a recipe for a simple and flavorful marinade that can be used to tenderize 8 oz chicken breast:
Ingredients:
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Ziplock bag or shallow dish
Steps:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the chicken breast in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure that it is evenly coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
- Before cooking, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade.
- Cook the chicken as desired, such as by grilling, baking, or pan-searing.
This marinade is a good balance of sweet and savory flavors, and the honey and mustard help to add a nice glaze to the chicken while it cooks. The acid in the soy sauce helps to break down the fibers in the meat, making it more tender, and the spices in the marinade add a great depth of flavor.
How to make 8 oz chicken breast in a crockpot
Here is a simple recipe for making 8 oz chicken breast in a crockpot:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
Tools:
- Slow cooker or crockpot
Steps:
- Place the chicken breast in the slow cooker.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the chicken broth or water, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and any optional spices (cayenne pepper, thyme, rosemary) that you would like to use. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breast in the slow cooker.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks or let it cool and slice it.
- Serve the chicken with your desired side dish, and enjoy.
Cooking chicken breast in a crockpot is a great way to make it tender and juicy. The slow cooking process also allows the flavors of the spices and broth to infuse into the chicken. This recipe is simple and versatile, and you can add vegetables such as onion, bell pepper, carrots, and zucchini to make a complete one-pot meal.
How to make 8 oz chicken breast in an Instant Pot
To make 8 oz chicken breast in an Instant Pot, you will need the following:
- 8 oz chicken breast
- Salt and pepper
- Your choice of seasonings or marinade (optional)
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings or marinade of your choice.
- Place the chicken breast in the Instant Pot, making sure it is not stacked on top of each other.
- Close the lid and set the pressure valve to sealing.
- Cook on manual or pressure cook setting for 10 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
- Carefully remove the chicken breast from the Instant Pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. It is always recommended to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken breast has reached 165°F before consumption.
How to make 8 oz chicken breast in a skillet
To make 8 oz chicken breast in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil)
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breast to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken breast for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breast from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
How to make 8 oz chicken breast in an oven
To make 8 oz chicken breast in an oven, you will need the following tools:
- Baking dish or sheet pan
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil (olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil)
- herbs or spices (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C)
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices (if desired)
- Line a baking dish or sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper (this will make for easy cleanup)
- Place the chicken breast on the prepared pan and brush it with oil.
- Bake the chicken breast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.
Note: Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
Conclusion
8 oz chicken breast can be cooked in a variety of ways, including on a skillet or in the oven. Both methods require only a few simple ingredients and tools and result in a delicious, healthy protein option.
Cooking chicken breast in a skillet is a quick and easy method that allows for a crispy exterior while baking it in the oven results in a tender and juicy texture. The most important thing to keep in mind is to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
With a little bit of seasoning and a cooking method of your choice, you can enjoy a delicious 8 oz chicken breast in no time.