Adjusting cooking times when using chicken breast instead of thigh

[AtleastitsnotMonday]

Looking for some advice on how to adjust timing when using chicken breast instead of thigh. I know the reason so many recipes use thigh is because it stays moist but we all much prefer breast meat, I’m just conscious of not drying it out too much. I’m generally ok when baking chicken breasts on their own but am never sure when using them chopped in saucy dishes like casseroles, curries or in a pie. Can anyone help?

It depends on the recipe and the size of the breast pieces.

If you are replacing boneless chicken thighs in a pie with gravy/sauce, the pie cooking time will be pretty much the same. Just use similar sized pieces to the chicken thighs.

In a casserole/curry, just check when the pieces are tender. Casserole timings are usually approximate anyway. It will probably be a bit quicker.

What are you concerned about? The chicken will cook through quickly after searing/browning so food poisoning isn't an issue. The longer cooking time of the dishes is to make tougher cuts tender, let flavours mingle, the sauce reduce etc. The sauce should stop it drying out. The only issue would be it will fall apart if you overcook the chicken. As long as you don't let it get to that point, it's fine.

The Chinese technique of "velveting" works well on breasts to keep in moisture.
Mix cornflour with water to a slurry, then add meat strips before frying.

Boneless thighs and chicken breast cook in about the same time, OP.

Bone-in thighs take longer than chicken breasts.

Chicken breasts will cook the quickest of all, so you won’t undercook it. You might make it dry out a bit but not much if it’s in a sauce-based meal.

For a curry or casserole you’ll brown it off first so the rest of the cooking time is really for sauces to thicken and flavours to mingle. Just check it 5-10 minutes early and see if you’re happy.

For a pie it’s how long the pastry takes not the chicken inside if you’ve browned it off first. So I’d leave that timing much the same.

Thank you all. I don’t really eat much meat and when I do have chicken I tend to grill, stir fry or whack it on the bbq.