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This guide on how long to bake chicken breast is super easy. Whether you’re a cooking beginner or just want to nail it, these tips will help you get the perfect baking times for delicious, juicy chicken.
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How long to bake chicken breast
Cooking chicken breast is all about finding the right temperature and time. Too high can overcook it, while too low might leave it underdone. I recommend 425ºF/220ºC (or 400ºF/200ºC fan-assisted) for perfectly cooked chicken.
The cooking time varies based on the type of chicken (skin-on, bone-in, or boneless and skinless), as well as its thickness and size. Here’s a simple guide:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts:
- Small: 15-18 minutes
- Medium: 20-25 minutes
- Large: 30-35 minutes
When chicken breasts have skin or a bone, they take longer due to the added thickness:
- Small: 25-30 minutes
- Medium: 30-35 minutes
- Large: 35-40 minutes.
How can I check for doneness?
To easily check if your chicken breast is done, use a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer. Press the tip of the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. Once it’s reached an internal temperature of 165ºF/75ºC (the USDA minimum), the chicken is safe to eat.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, take the chicken breasts out of the oven and prick them with a knife or fork. If the juices run clear and the meat is easy to shred, the breast is fully cooked.
Want that golden brown goodness? Try broiling.
Broiling for a few minutes in the oven helps your chicken breast achieve a caramelized golden brown color and deep flavor – and is especially good if you’re serving your chicken with sticky sauces or marinades.
Once the chicken breasts are just about cooked, turn the oven to the broiling setting and let it cook for a further 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken – broiling can turn to burning very quickly!
Why the rest time?
Meat, when removed from the oven, keeps cooking for a few minutes and releases more juices when it’s allowed to sit before carving.
So, take your chicken breast out of the oven when fully cooked and leave to sit for up to 10 minutes covered in aluminum foil. The juices will redistribute around the breast and give you wonderfully moist chicken. Then, slice and serve.
Delicious chicken breast recipes
If you try these tips, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
How Long To Bake A Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts about 6 oz each
Seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar helps for browning and moisture
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp butter melted, or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425ºF/220ºC (or 400ºF/200ºC fan-assisted).
Prepare the chicken breast
- Place the chicken in a Ziplock bag and tenderize the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling point. Do so gently until the chicken breasts have an even size and thickness (about 0.75 inches each)
- Combine the spices, brown sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl and stir well. Add the marinade into the Ziplock bag and shake to cover each breast or rub it over each breast. Transfer to a baking dish.
How long to bake
- Bake the chicken uncovered for around 15-18 minutes at 425ºF/220ºC (or 400ºF/200ºC fan-assisted). You can also choose to turn on the broiler for a few minutes at the end to enhance browning on the top.Larger chicken breasts (10oz+) will take between 20-25 minutes to cook.Check for doneness by inserting a thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature must reach 165ºF/75ºC to be safe to eat.
Rest and serve
- Take the chicken out of the oven. Set aside for 5-8 minutes, covered loosely with foil so the juices can settle.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
