Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe - Savory Nothings (2024)

FAQs

Should I cover chicken breast when baking in the oven? ›

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results. Lastly, think about the desired texture and flavor you're trying to achieve.

The secret? The parchment paper method. By covering the chicken with a piece of parchment paper, the chicken bastes in its own juices so they never dry out. It's basically a cross between braising and roasting and is sure to become one of your new favorite ways to cook chicken.

Given the fact that drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and won't dry out as easily as breasts, the range from 350 to 450 degrees is okay for baking them. 350 to 375 is generally best for breasts. The best answer to these questions? Simply check the chicken for doneness using an instant read thermometer.

To start, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of salt for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won't be dry or tough.

You never have to worry about covering chicken while baking, as it's OK to bake it uncovered. Once your chicken is in the oven, it's hands-free until you need to check the temperature. Then, you can whip up a no-cook appetizer, vegetable or potato side dish, or dessert if you're feeling ambitious.

You never have to worry about covering chicken while baking, as it's fine to bake it uncovered, and once your chicken is in the oven, it's hands-free until you need to check the temperature. So you can whip up a no-cook appetizer, side dish, or dessert if you're feeling ambitious.

If you're baking it, keep it covered with a baking sheet or with the pan-top for about 80% of the total baking time, uncover it only when the breast is cooked and tender but there's juices in the pan. Once uncovered, the juices will evaporate quickly in the oven, and you'll have a juicy chicken breast to eat.

Cooking tips

Bake a 4-oz. chicken breast at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165˚F (74˚C).

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts take 25-30 minutes to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

425°F is the best temperature for baking chicken. The chicken turns golden on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. At a lower temperature like 350°F, the chicken can dry out, as it will need to be in the oven for a longer period.

Is 30 minutes at 400 enough for chicken? ›

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and place your prepared chicken breasts on top. Timing is key. At 400 degrees F, I find that my chicken breasts are done between 20 and 30 minutes. It really depends on how thick and large your chicken breasts are.

Because chicken isn't a very fatty cut of meat, you'll want to add some fat to keep the meat hydrated. Most recipes use butter or oil for cooking chicken, but mayo is the better fat option when it comes to producing juicy chicken.

You want to cook your meat until it is almost completely cooked, brush on a coating of barbecue sauce, and then grill, roast or broil the meat until the sauce has become lightly caramelized and glazes the meat.

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a rimmed baking pan. In a medium bowl, combine chicken breasts, olive oil, Italian seasoning, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper. Mix well to coat. Bake uncovered for 22 to 26 minutes or until the chicken breasts reach and internal temperature of 165°F.

Many people opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease, but you can bake any cut of chicken in foil. Chicken breasts work well with the foil treatment, as steaming keeps the meat juicy and it cooks quickly even with the addition of veggies or starches. Chicken tenders would be a great cut to bake in foil, too.

Fold aluminum like a book cover over the top of each serving and crimp the edges all around tightly together. Place foil packets with the chicken on the bottom onto a 12x18-inch rimmed baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, 25 to 30 minutes.

chicken breast at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165˚F (74˚C).