How Long Does It Take To Bake Chicken Breasts?

Eating chicken breast that’s not fully cooked is not only unpleasant, but it can also make you feel really sick.

Therefore, if you’re a fan of this delicacy, it’s understandable to wonder how long it takes to bake chicken breasts to perfection.  

So, how long to bake chicken breasts?

Chicken breasts bake for different durations depending on the temperatures you cook them at and their type.

For instance, baking skinless, boneless chicken breasts at 375F would take about thirty to forty minutes.

That said, you could also bake them for different periods to attain varying results, like juicy or crunchy. 

This article discusses the different durations for baking various types of chicken breasts.

It also contains an easy and simple baked chicken breast recipe. 

How long to bake chicken breast 

Chicken breasts bake for different durations depending on their type, thickness, and temperatures.

However, the general rule is that skinless, boneless chicken breasts should cook for thirty minutes at 375F while their skin-on, bone-in counterparts take forty minutes to be ready. 

However, baking large skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts at 400F will take close to forty-five minutes.

This means you must follow the guidelines of specific recipes for different chicken breasts to bake yours perfectly. 

What temperature should I bake chicken breasts? 

High temperatures are essential when baking the perfect chicken breasts.

That said, the most favorable temperature is 425F, which locks in the chicken’s moisture, making it juicy.

It’s also time-saving as the breast will need only about twenty minutes to be ready. 

However, you can bake chicken breasts at different temperatures to get specific results.

For instance, baking them at temperatures between 300F and 325F for thirty minutes will get you a juicy breast. 

If a crispy breast is what you’re going for, bake chicken at 400F for thirty minutes and brush it with olive oil to avoid drying.

That said, regardless of the temperatures you bake at, ensure the chicken breast’s internal temperature reaches around 165F. 

Baking chicken breasts 

Below are some guidelines to follow for ideal baked chicken breasts. 

• Preheat the oven – This step is essential as it allows the chicken to start baking immediately and cook evenly. 

• Season chicken breasts – Seasoning with salt and pepper before baking is paramount as it ensures the chicken breasts stay crisp and flavorful. 

• Bake the chicken breasts – Put the chicken on a baking sheet and place it in the middle or center of the oven to prevent burning. Chicken breasts should bake till golden brown. You should also check if they have cooked through by poking a thermometer into their center from time to time. 

• Rest chicken breasts – It’s crucial to let chicken breasts sit for a while before serving, as it allows the juices to flow through them. 

Dangers of eating undercooked chicken breasts

An undercooked chicken breast is a bacteria powerhouse.

It contains bacteria like clostridium perfringens, salmonella, and campylobacter, which cause food poisoning.

This condition can be critical; visit the hospital immediately if you experience the following symptoms after eating an undercooked chicken. 

• Fever 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Loss of appetite 
• Muscle pain 
• Headache 
• Blood in stool 

Types of chicken breasts 

There are two types of chicken breasts; boneless, skinless, and skin-on, bone-in.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for quick stew and soup recipes that require small pieces of these proteins.

They also marinate to perfection but are prone to overcooking too. 

On the other hand, skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts are cheaper than their counterparts because they require less labor.

They also cook well, as the bones help distribute heat evenly through the chicken. 

Best chicken breast practices  

Always use a thermometer to check if your chicken breasts have cooked through because relying on your vision can be disastrous.

Pink-looking chicken breasts aren’t always undercooked, while white doesn’t necessarily mean they are ready. 

Avoid cross-contamination by reusing the utensils you’ve handled raw chicken breasts with to do something else like eating.

Raw chicken contains bacteria that can easily transfer to surfaces, utensils, or even your mouth. 

Cook chicken breasts immediately after thawing.

This is because bacteria thrive in these proteins when they are between four and sixty degrees.

Therefore cooking chicken breasts sooner is better for you. 

How to store baked chicken breasts 

Proper storage is vital to ensure your leftover chicken breasts stay fresh.

You can place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge.

However, you should do this two hours after cooking to allow it to cool down first.  

It’s also safe to store chicken breasts in the freezer.

That said, you should wrap the breasts in foil and place them in an airtight container before freezing. 

Although chicken breasts stay fresh in the fridge for only four days, they can last in the freezer for close to four months.

That said, you should wrap the breasts in foil and place them in an airtight container before freezing. 

Signs that baked chicken breasts have gone bad 

Below are signs that your baked chicken breasts aren’t safe for consumption, and you should throw them out. 

• Bad smell – If chicken breasts emit an ammonia-like odor, they have started to rot. This scent can easily go unnoticed if the chicken breasts contain many spices. Thus, you should be careful if you use herbs and sauces in high amounts. 

• Slimy texture – This signifies that your chicken has been rotten for a while. You should note that rinsing off the slimy texture won’t kill the bacteria on rotten chicken but spread it on utensils and surfaces, risking getting into your mouth. 

• Color change – Greyish or greenish chicken breasts are not safe for ingestion. These colors indicate mold or bacterial growth, which could cause severe health conditions. 

Baked chicken breasts recipe  

Ingredients 

• 1 teaspoon of dried basil 
• 1 ½ cups of white rice 
• 1 ½ cups of tomato soup 
• 2 cans(14.5oz)  of diced tomatoes 
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts 
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder 
• Kitchen salt 
• Grounded black pepper 
• 1oz of onion soup mix 

Method 

• Preheat oven to 350F 
• Spray non-stick spray on a baking dish 
• Mix salt, garlic powder, rice, and black pepper, then add the mixture to the baking dish. 
• Add the tomato soup and diced tomatoes to the mixture and stir until evenly spread. 
• Place the four chicken breasts in one layer on the baking dish 
• Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the chicken breasts 
• Pour the onion soup on top of the dish evenly 
• Cover baking dish with aluminum foil 
• Bake until the rice and chicken are done or for one hour and twenty-five minutes 
• Let it rest for fifteen minutes for the rice to absorb most of the juices before serving. 

Nutrients in baked chicken breasts  

Aside from being a healthy source of proteins with low calories, chicken breasts contain several essential nutrients.

Some of their benefits are described below. 

• Amino acids – Amino acids build muscle tissues and enhance bones’ mineral density. This reduces the threat of injuries and diseases like osteoporosis. 

• Vitamin B12 – This supplement enhances red blood cell formation. Ingesting it will also prevent you from contracting anemia. 

• Zinc – Zinc is vital in the function and development of immune cells. It also helps in digestion, metabolism, and nerve function. 

• Copper – Sufficient amounts of copper in your diet promotes iron absorption, enhance immune function, and maintain strong, healthy bones. Copper will also prevent you from contracting cardiovascular diseases. 

• Tryptophan – This supplement helps produce serotonin, which has several benefits to our bodies, like promoting better sleep and emotional well-being. 

• Choline – Choline not only reduces your susceptibility to contracting liver diseases but also enhances brain function and prevents congenital disabilities. 

Why is my baked chicken breast dry? 

Several factors could cause chicken breasts to turn out dry.

To begin with, you might have overcooked your breasts, drying out their juices.

Secondly, the chicken breast could be undercooked, thus not having enough time for its juices to spread out evenly.

Another reason could be not seasoning before baking.

Ensure that you season or marinate your chicken breasts with pepper, salt, or any other herbs as they prevent drying out. 

Frequently asked questions(FAQs) 

How long to bake chicken at 350 degrees? 

Boneless chicken will take twenty-five to thirty minutes to be done at 350 degrees.

On the other hand, bone-in, skin-on chicken will bake for fifty-five to sixty-five minutes. 

How long to bake chicken in the oven at 400? 

Baking chicken at 400 degrees will take you about twenty-two to twenty-six minutes.

However, this may vary depending on the size or thickness of the chicken. 

How long to bake chicken breast at 350 uncovered? 

Chicken breasts will take twenty-five to thirty minutes to bake at 350 degrees uncovered.

This could be longer if the breast is too thick or shorter if it’s thin. 

Do baked chicken breasts need to rest? 

Chicken breasts need to rest or sit for some minutes before serving.

This is because it gives the juices enough time to spread through the chicken. 

What’s the difference between baked and roasted chicken?  

Roasted chicken is cooked at high temperatures of about 400F while their baked counterparts cook at lower temperatures like 350F.

That said, roasting chicken takes a shorter time than baking. 

To conclude 

The right duration for baking chicken breasts depends on several factors like the temperatures used, their thickness, and size.

Although the general rule states that they shouldn’t be baked for more than forty-five minutes, always follow the recipe guidelines to get the best results. 

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