How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven | Step By Step Guide

Chicken is a versatile and healthy protein choice that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One of the easiest and fuss-free methods of cooking chicken is in the oven. Plus, it’s a great way to meal prep for the week. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my foolproof method of how to cook chicken breast in the oven that will give you juicy, tender, and delicious oven-baked chicken breast every time.

Ingredients To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven

To cook chicken in the oven, you’ll need:

– 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Your favourite herbs or spices (optional)

How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven?

Use The Right Size Chicken Breast

The weight of the chicken breast will determine the cooking time. For instance, a 4-ounce chicken breast will take less time to cook than a 10-ounce chicken breast. Choose chicken breast that’s around 6-8 ounces for this recipe. It will ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from drying out.

Brine Your Chicken Breast

A quick brine will keep the chicken breast from drying out while baking. Brine is a simple mixture of salt, sugar, and water. The salt helps to break down the protein, resulting in a tender and juicy chicken. To make the brine, add ¼ cup salt, ¼ cup sugar to 1 quart of water. Mix until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Add the chicken breast to the brine and let it sit for 20 minutes.

Season Your Chicken Breast

Seasoning your chicken breast with your favorite spices is key to adding flavor to your meal. You can go for a simple seasoning like salt and pepper, garlic powder, or flavored seasoning. Here, I’ve used a mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix the spices together and rub it evenly onto the chicken breast.

Use The Right Temperature

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Once preheated, place the chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breast. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Rest Your Chicken Breast

After removing the chicken breast from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy chicken. Cover the chicken with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Watch this video to know how to cook chicken breast in the oven.

Best Temperature To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven

The best temperature to cook chicken breast in the oven is 375°F. This temperature will ensure even cooking and juicy results. If you prefer a crispier skin, you can increase the heat to 400°F for the final few minutes of baking.

Once your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F and has been rested, it’s ready to be enjoyed.

Tips To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven

– Brush olive oil onto the chicken breast to ensure even browning and crispiness.

– Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan when baking your chicken. This will prevent it from cooking evenly.

– Cover the chicken with foil when the outside starts to brown too quickly. This will prevent it from burning.

– Let your chicken cool down completely before storing in the refrigerator.

With these tips, you’ll be able to cook juicy and tender chicken breast in the oven every time. Try this recipe out and let me know how it turns out.

Tips To Season Baked Chicken Breast

The key to flavorful oven-baked chicken breast is seasoning. You can go for a simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Or you can experiment with different spices like cumin, chili powder, oregano or thyme to give your chicken a delicious flavor. Experiment with different seasonings and find the combination that works best for you.

For a quick and easy meal, try marinating your chicken with store-bought sauces like teriyaki or honey garlic. This will add extra flavor to your chicken without much effort.

Related: how long to cook chicken thighs in the oven

What To Serve With Baked Chicken Breast?

Baked chicken breast is a great protein to serve with light sides like a salad or roasted vegetables. You can also pair it with mashed potatoes, pasta dishes, or quinoa for a complete meal. Serve your cooked chicken breast with your favorite side and enjoy.

How To Store Leftover Baked Chicken Breast?

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The chicken can also be frozen and stored for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure the chicken is fully heated before consuming.

Conclusion: How To Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven?

Now you know how to cook chicken breast in the oven. Cooking chicken in the oven is an easy and healthy way to meal prep delicious and tasty meals for the week. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your chicken breast turns out juicy and tender every time. So, go ahead and try this recipe and see how a few simple tips can make a huge difference in your cooking results. Thanks for reading at mollysmtview!

FAQ: Cook Chicken Breast In The Oven

How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the oven?

Oven-baked chicken breasts can be prepared in under thirty minutes with boneless, skinless fillets taking around twenty. For those who prefer bone-in and skin on pieces of poultry, the cooking time is increased to upwards of 40 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

Opt for an oven temperature of 350 F when baking chicken breasts if you’re just starting to get on your feet in the kitchen. Doing so will be easier to monitor and allow delicious, succulent results every time. Though higher temperatures like 400F may cook them faster and result in a crispier finish, there is also increased risk of drying out the breast – something not ideal for those beginning their culinary journey.

How do you bake chicken breast without drying them out?

At our Test Kitchen, we’ve discovered that baking chicken at a sizzling 425°F is the secret to juicy flavor-packed poultry. Unlock tender and succulent results every time with this high temperature method.

What temperature do you cook chicken breast in the oven?

Take your culinary skills to new heights with this simple yet delicious chicken breast recipe. Preheat the oven to 350°F before popping in that 4-oz. cut of poultry for 25-30 minutes; insert a meat thermometer post bake and voila! You’re ready when it reads 165˚F (74˚C).

How long to cook chicken breast at 200 C?

To produce a succulent roast chicken, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6 and line a baking tray with foil. For maximum flavor, rub the chicken breasts in oil before seasoning them generously. Place on the lined tray and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

How long does it take to cook chicken breast in oven at 180?

Preheat the oven to a tasty 200C (or fan 180C/gas 6). Prepare your roasting tin with two tablespoons of delectable olive oil, then add succulent chicken breasts. Following 20-25 minutes in the oven and some testing for juiciness at its center, let it rest for 5mins before dinner is served.

Should I cover chicken breast when I bake it?

Baking chicken requires minimal effort and no supervision – just pop it in the oven, set a timer for checking temperature, and forget about it until you hear that delicious ‘ding’. And while your main course bakes away to perfection, why not show off those cooking skills with an easy-to-make appetizer or dessert?

How do you keep chicken breast moist when baking?

Heat your oven to an optimal temperature and bake until the internal temp reaches 160ºF. A drizzle of olive oil helps maintain moisture so you can enjoy delectable results every time. Once cooked, let rest under foil for safe consumption – satisfying flavors are just minutes away.

Can you cook chicken breast at 200 degrees?

Start by preheating the oven to 200 degrees Celsius, then coat your delicious chicken breasts with a generous layer of olive oil and sprinkle on some salt and smoked paprika for that succulent flavour. Place them in the roasting tin before popping it into the hot oven – bake until golden brown perfection is achieved after just 10 minutes.

Do you put water in the pan when baking chicken?

Cook a delicious, succulent roast chicken with ease – no vegetables required. Simply place the bird on an oven rack and pour half a cup of water in the pan before sliding it into your preheated oven for between one to one-and-a quarter hours.

Why is my chicken breast dry in the oven?

To ensure optimal flavor, texture and food safety when preparing chicken breast, cook at a doneness temperature high enough to defeat salmonella but low enough not to dry it out excessively. Don’t overcook – if the meat is cooked beyond its ideal temperature level for too long you’ll be left with tough, lacking in flavour sawdusty results.