Perhaps you’ve been craving chicken all week and ended up buying some from a grocery store, or maybe a friend gave you a sizable chicken breast, and you’re thinking about cooking it for dinner.
However, you open your cookbook and realize you have no idea how long to cook chicken breast in oven.
So what options do you have?
Cooking chicken breast in the oven takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breast.
If you’re cooking multiple chicken breasts, they may take a bit longer.
Thus, to ensure that your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
This article will give a definitive guide on how long you cook chicken breast in the oven.
We’ll also provide tips to ensure your chicken breast comes out juicy and delicious.
How to Cook Chicken Breasts in the Oven
The process of cooking chicken breast in the oven is quite simple.
You can bake chicken breasts whole or cut them into smaller pieces.
We recommend cutting chicken breasts into smaller pieces if you’re cooking for a large group of people, as it will help the chicken cook more evenly.
Alternatively, you can roast chicken breasts whole if you’re cooking for a smaller group or want to use the chicken breast for another recipe, such as chicken salad.
How do I Prepare Chicken Breast for Cooking in the Oven?
Once you’ve decided whether to roast chicken breasts whole or cut them into smaller pieces, it’s time to prepare the chicken for cooking.
The following 5 steps will help you prepare the chicken breast for cooking in the oven:
Brine
Brining chicken breast is optional, but it helps to keep the chicken breast juicy and moist.
To brine chicken breast, soak the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes to an hour.
It’s advisable to use lukewarm water, as hot water will cook the chicken breast, and cold water won’t allow the salt to dissolve properly.
After brining, rinse the chicken breast with cold water and pat it dry with a paper towel.
Brush
Brush the chicken breast with olive oil, melted butter, or another type of cooking oil.
This will ensure that the chicken doesn’t stick to the baking dish and also helps keep the chicken moist.
Brushing with butter also adds flavor to the chicken; it also gives a golden color to the skin.
It’s vital to liberally brush both sides of the chicken breast to ensure seasonings and flavors penetrate the meat.
Seasoning
Rub the chicken breast with your favorite seasonings.
Some popular seasonings for chicken include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
However, if you prefer simple flavors, you can just season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
You can also use a store-bought poultry seasoning blend; generously season the chicken on both sides.
Roast
This step is where you cook the chicken in the oven.
However, it’s the step that raises the most questions, such as how long you cook chicken breast and what is the ideal temperature to cook chicken breast?
For instance, do you bake it low and slow or cook it hot and fast?
Depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breast, you’ll want to cook it at a temperature of 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit.
We recommend cooking chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, as this ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
If you’re worried about the chicken drying, you can cover the baking dish with foil.
Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken breast, reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you’re cooking multiple chicken breasts, they may take a bit longer.
Thus, to ensure your chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
The internal temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cooking at high temperatures for a shorter time is the best way to cook chicken breast in the oven.
It makes the chicken breast juicy and tender without drying it out.
Rest
Let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier and more flavorful chicken.
If you cut immediately into the chicken, the juices will run out, leaving you with dry chicken.
You can cut the chicken into slices or shred it, depending on how you plan to use it.
The best cutting tools for chicken is a sharp knife or kitchen shears.
Remember to loosely tent the chicken breast with foil while it rests, as this will help keep it warm.
Resting also allows the flavors of the seasonings to meld together and penetrate the meat.
After resting for 5 minutes, your chicken breast should be ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cooked Chicken Breasts
You can serve chicken breast as it is or with your favorite dipping sauce.
Chicken breast is also delicious served over a salad, in a sandwich, or chopped up in the soup.
Besides, you can slice, dice or shred oven-cooked chicken breast for use in recipes.
So, how do you slice, dice or shred oven-cooked chicken breast?
Slicing: Slice the chicken breast against the grain into thin strips. To do this, hold the chicken breast steady with one hand and use the other hand to slice it thinly against the grain. Slicing chicken breast against the grain results in more tender pieces of meat.
Dicing: Cut the chicken into small cubes using a sharp knife. First, slice the chicken breast against the grain into thin strips. Then, stack the strips on top of each other and cut them into small cubes. Dicing is a great way to use chicken breast in salads, soup, or stir-fry recipes.
Shredding: To shred chicken breast, first slice it against the grain into thin strips. Then, use a fork to pull the chicken strips apart until they’re shredded gently. Shredded chicken is perfect for tacos, enchiladas, or chicken salad.
Recipes that can Use Oven Cooked Chicken Breast
There are endless possibilities regarding recipes that use cooked chicken breast.
Get creative and try something new today, such as creamy chicken marsala soup, chicken fajita quesadillas, or one-pot chicken and rice.
Whether cooking for one or feeding a crowd, learning how long you cook chicken breast in the oven is a valuable skill.
Creamy Chicken Marsala Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- Oven-cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup of Marsala wine
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 14 oz can of diced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Heavy cream (optional)
- Fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1:
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic.
Cook until softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 2:
Stir in the flour and cook for one minute.
Then add the Marsala wine and chicken broth.
Bring to a simmer and cook for five minutes.
Add the mushrooms, diced tomatoes, and thyme—season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 3:
Add the chicken and cook until heated through.
If desired, stir in heavy cream and parsley leaves before serving.
Garnish with additional parsley leaves if desired.
How to Store Oven Cooked Chicken Breast
You have successfully learned how long to cook chicken breast in oven, but what’s the best way to store it?
Refrigerate: place cooked chicken breasts in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic for up to four days.
Freeze: tightly wrap each chicken breast in plastic, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and contents. You can freeze for up to six months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat it in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips Prepare Juicy and Delicious Chicken Breast
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast.
- Brine the chicken breast for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the chicken breast.
- Cook at low and slow temperatures for juicier chicken breast.
- Use a cast iron skillet for cooking chicken breast.
- Add moisture while cooking chicken breast.
- Let the chicken rest before cutting into it.
- Serve immediately after cooking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how long to cook chicken breast in the oven, it’s time to get cooking!
With so many recipes to choose from, you’re sure to find one that everyone will love.
Whether preparing for a weeknight meal or cooking for a special occasion, oven-cooked chicken breasts are always a delicious option.
Be sure to store leftovers properly in the refrigerator or freezer so you can enjoy them later.
Don’t forget to try some of our tips to ensure your chicken breasts are juicy and delicious every time.
Happy cooking!
Microwave chicken breast
Equipment
- 1 microwave
Ingredients
- 3 chicken breasts
- Water
- Salt
- Spices
Instructions
- Firstly, season the chicken breasts with salt or peppers as per your preference, whatever you like.
- But I just only one pinch of salt on every side.
- Then add the water to fill the bottom of the dish.
- Use water only until the whole bottom of the baking dish is covered but don’t use over water.
- After it is done, set the chicken breasts in the baking container and cover them properly with the glass lid.
- Further, cook on high in the microwave for almost four to five minutes maximum for each chicken breast.
- After 5 minutes, insert the meat thermometer in the middle of every chicken breast and note down the temperature.
- Lastly, when the chicken has cooked, remove it from the baking dish and get ready your meat as you wish.
- You may chop or shred it and mix it with sour cream, lemon juice, and sauce.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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