chicken breast how long to bake

The baking time for chicken breast depends on a few factors, including:

• Thickness: This is the most significant factor. Thicker breasts take longer to cook.
• Oven temperature: Higher temperatures cook the chicken faster.
• Whether you’re using bone-in or boneless: Bone-in breasts typically take longer to cook.
• Desired doneness: Do you prefer your chicken juicy and slightly pinkish, or fully cooked through?

Here are general guidelines:

For boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

• At 375°F (190°C):

  • Thin breasts (1-inch thick or less): 20-25 minutes
  • Medium breasts (1-1.5 inch thick): 25-35 minutes
  • Thick breasts (1.5-2 inches thick): 35-45 minutes

• At 400°F (200°C):

  • Thin breasts: 15-20 minutes
  • Medium breasts: 20-30 minutes
  • Thick breasts: 30-40 minutes

For bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts:

• At 375°F (190°C): 40-50 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches target.
• At 400°F (200°C): 35-45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches target.

The best way to check for doneness:

• Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
• Look for clear juices: If you pierce the chicken with a fork or knife, the juices should run clear, not pink.

Important tips for baking chicken breast:

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness: This helps it cook more evenly.
• Brine or marinate the chicken: This can help keep it moist and flavorful.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken breast will be dry.
• Let the chicken rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

In summary:
Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate measurement of doneness. The approximate baking time depends on the thickness of the breast and cooking temperature and these are more approximate guides.