how long and temp to bake chicken breast

The cooking time and temperature for baking chicken breast depend on a few factors, including the size/thickness of the breast and your desired level of doneness. Here’s a general guide, along with some tips:

General Guidelines:

• Temperature: 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C) is a good starting point.
• Time:

  • For average-sized breasts (5-8 ounces, 1-inch thick):

    • 375°F (190°C): 25-35 minutes
    • 400°F (200°C): 20-30 minutes

  • Thicker breasts (more than 1-inch thick): Add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

Important: The safest and most accurate way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer.

• Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. The USDA recommends this temperature.

Tips and Techniques:

• Brining or marinating: This helps to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• Pounding the chicken: If your breasts are uneven in thickness or thicker, pounding them to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re cooking multiple breasts, give them some space in the pan. Overcrowding can result in steaming and less browning.
• Use a pan with sides: A baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet is ideal to catch juices.
• Consider a baking dish lid: You can cover the dish during baking to retain moisture, especially important for leaner chicken breast (e.g., from a store). Remove the lid for the last 10-15 minutes to encourage browning (optional).
• Let it rest: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly during the resting period (carry-over cooking).
• Adding moisture: You can add liquids (broth, wine, sauce) to the bottom of the baking pan to create steam and keep the chicken moist.
• Basting: You can baste the chicken with pan juices or another liquid during baking to add flavor and moisture.

Example Recipe: Simple Baked Chicken Breast

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz) on both sides with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, herbs). Optionally, drizzle with olive oil.
3. Bake: Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Important Considerations:

• Oven Calibration: Ovens sometimes vary in temperature. It’s a good idea to have an oven thermometer to ensure it’s accurate.
• Altitude: Adjust cooking times slightly at higher altitudes.
• Recipe Variations: Always consult the specific recipe instructions if you are following one, as those timings and temperatures should be used.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature.