To cook chicken breast in the oven, the typical baking time and temperature depend on the size and thickness of the breasts, but here are well-supported guidelines:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) for most recipes.
- For boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 5 to 7 ounces:
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes.
- For larger breasts (around 9 ounces):
- Bake for 22 to 25 minutes.
- If the breasts are thinner (around 1/2 inch thick), cook for about 16-18 minutes; for 3/4 inch thick, 20-22 minutes; and for 1 inch thick, 24-26 minutes.
- The key indicator of doneness is an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). To avoid drying out, some recommend removing the chicken at 160°F (71°C) and letting it rest to reach 165°F through carryover cooking.
- Rest the chicken for 5 to 10 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
Additional tips:
- Bring chicken to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- Pound breasts to an even thickness to avoid uneven cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness precisely.
- Optionally, broil for 3-5 minutes at the end to brown the top.
In summary, bake boneless chicken breasts at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, adjusting time based on thickness, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before resting and serving