How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

Each year, Americans eat around 92 pounds of chicken per person, higher than the amount of beef and pork consumed annually. Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a versatile center-of-the-plate protein, not only because it takes on seasoning and sauces so well, but also because it can be cooking in myriad ways. This includes grilling, baking, poaching, sauteing, slow-cooking, and pressure-cooking.

No matter which method you use, make sure the boneless chicken breast temperature is cooked to 165 F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached the proper temperature before eating.

The best way to cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts depends on how you plan to use the chicken, the flavor you want to achieve, and how healthy you want the end result to be.

The Spruce / Elnora Turner 

Baking

This might be the easiest method of cooking boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply preheat the oven to 400 F, drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and sprinkle it with salt and pepper. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook from residual heat after you pull it out of the oven. Let the breasts sit for 5 to 10 minutes and then take the internal temperature to ensure it is 165 F.

Poaching

Poached chicken can be shredded and used in a variety of applications, including enchiladas, chicken salad, and soup. To poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts, place them in a large skillet and add 1 to 2 cups of water or chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook for 9 to 14 minutes until chicken reaches 160 F. You can also poach in the oven by placing chicken in a single layer in a roasting pan. Add lemon slices, peppercorns, or any other spices or herbs for flavoring. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil and immediately pour over chicken. Cover and bake at 400 F for 20 to 35 minutes.

Sauteing

Pound the chicken breasts thin or cut them up into bite-sized pieces. Season it with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken to the pan, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes per side until cooked through.

Grilling

Grilled chicken breasts are incredibly flavorful and a healthy option. Pat the chicken dry and season it with salt and pepper. Oil a clean grill grate and preheat it to medium heat. Use tongs to place the chicken on the grill and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the breasts and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the thermometer has reached the appropriate temperature. If you want to add barbecue sauce, wait until the last couple of minutes to avoid burning the sauce.

Slow-cooking

Set it and forget it by cooking boneless, skinless chicken breast in a slow cooker. Arrange the chicken in the slow cooker and pour in a half-cup of water or chicken broth. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You can also cook frozen chicken breasts on low for 8 to 9 hours.

Pressure Cooking

A pressure cooker returns similar results as the slow cooker but in less time. Add thawed chicken breasts to the cooker with 1/2 cup water, and then cover and lock the cooker, and bring the pressure up to high. Cook for 12 minutes, release the pressure and check the internal temperature. You can re-cover, bring the pressure back up, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer if necessary.

The best Baked Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe! Learn how to bake chicken breasts so they stay juicy and delicious. Easy to make!

How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

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It’s no secret we love chicken (like our shredded crockpot chicken and whole roasted chicken), but this baked boneless chicken recipe may be our new favorite because of how easy and versatile it is!

This recipe is such a super easy way to prep your protein for your weekly meal prep or just a healthy part of your balanced dinner!

How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

This is the best way to get the most delicious boneless chicken breast and we can’t wait for you to try it!

Why We Love Baked Boneless Chicken Breast

There is a lot to love about this baked chicken recipe. It’s one of our favorite proteins for a healthy dinner because it’s:

  • Easy to make – All this recipe takes for the best chicken is to rub them with oil and spices, then cook! So simple!
  • Versatile – You can use whatever spices you like on the chicken breasts in this recipe. We also have a Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade that is delicious!
  • Great for meal prep – These chicken breasts are such a healthy addition to your weekly meal prep because they are so versatile and reheat very well!

Ingredients for Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

To make this boneless baked chicken breast you’ll need:

  • boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • olive oil
  • paprika, dried basil, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper

You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded substitutions box. 

How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

How to Prepare Chicken Breast before Cooking

  1. Clean excess fat off of chicken breasts using kitchen scissors.
  2. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it reaches about 1 inch thickness. You can wrap the chicken in saran wrap or use a large ziploc bag to keep your kitchen clean.

Make Baked Easy Chicken Breast

  1. Preheat oven to 425° and place chicken breast on parchment lined sheet pan.
  2. Rub chicken breasts with oil and cover with the spice mixture.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes and ENJOY!
How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast
How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

How long to bake Boneless Chicken Breast:

Bake chicken breasts at 425° for 12-15 minutes.

What is the temperature for cooked chicken breast? Chicken breast is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°.

How do you know when baked chicken breast (boneless) is done? Baked chicken breast is done when it is browned on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. The best way to test if chicken is cooked is to use an internal meat thermometer. This is a great thing to have in your kitchen and it’s less than $10.

Oven Baked Chicken Breast FAQ 

How long does it take for boneless skinless chicken breast to bake?

It takes anywhere from 10-18 minutes to bake chicken breasts. Depending on the temperature of your oven and the thickness of the chicken breasts your cook time might vary

Is it better to bake chicken at 350° or 400°?

It’s best to bake chicken at a higher temperature. We like to bake our chicken at 425° for 15 minutes. It is nice and browned while still being juicy and delicious!

What temperature should I bake boneless chicken breasts at?

Bake chicken breasts at 425° for 12-15 minutes until cooked to an internal temperature of 165°.

How long does it take to bake a boneless chicken breast at 400°?

Baking times for chicken breast will vary depending on the thickness of the breasts. Typically a chicken breast will bake for 20 minutes at 400°.

How do I bake chicken breast without it drying out?

They key to baking chicken breasts without drying them is to pound them thinly, cover them with oil, and don’t overcook them. Only cook until they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees.

SUBSTITUTIONS FOR BONELESS CHICKEN RECIPE

Chicken Breasts: We haven’t tried this recipe with boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenders, but I think it would work great. You might need a little less time depending on the cut of the chicken. Chicken breasts with the bone on will take longer to cook.

Olive Oil: You can substitute avocado oil or melted butter.

Spices: Any spices will work in this recipe. Feel free to substitute whatever seasonings you like!

Grilled Chicken: We love our Pineapple Grilled Chicken and Grilled Teriyaki Chicken recipes!

WW Points: Will vary depending on the plan you follow. The points for this recipe were from the oil.

Storing and Reheating Baked Boneless Chicken Breast

How long will baked boneless chicken breast last in the fridge? Boneless chicken breasts will last for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze easy oven baked boneless chicken breast? We don’t recommend freezing baked chicken breasts. They can get a little bit rubbery when defrosted. It’s best to eat these after you cook them. There will be nothing wrong with the chicken if you freeze it, but it just might not have the best texture.

Best way to reheat Boneless Chicken Breast: The best way to reheat boneless chicken breast is to use the toaster oven or regular oven. Microwaving chicken breasts can cause them to get chewy/bouncy. You can also slice it and heat it in a pan on the stove.

How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

What to Serve with Baked Skinless Chicken Breast

This Chicken Breast goes well with pretty much anything! Here are some of our favorite side dishes:

  • Green Beans Almondine
  • Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Healthy Mac and Cheese
  • Sheet Pan Crispy Roasted Potatoes
  • Balsamic Mushrooms
  • Honey Thyme Garlic Carrots
  • Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
  • Crispy Smashed Potatoes
  • Kale Quinoa Salad
  • Mashed Potatoes

How long do i bake boneless skinless chicken breast

The best Baked Boneless Chicken Breast Recipe! Learn how to bake chicken breasts so they stay juicy and delicious. Easy to make!

Prep Time : 10 minutes

Cook Time : 15 minutes

Serves : 2 people

(hover over # to adjust)

  • Preheat the oven to 425 and prepare a parchment lined baking sheet.

  • Clean excess fat off of chicken breasts using kitchen scissors.

  • Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken until it reaches about 1 inch thickness. You can wrap the chicken in saran wrap or use a large ziploc bag to keep your kitchen clean.

  • Place chicken breasts on parchment paper.

  • In a small bowl mix together spices.

  • Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Cover the chicken breasts with spices.

  • Bake at 425 for 15 minutes or until it reaches an internal temp of 165.

Nutrition Facts

Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast

Amount Per Serving (6 oz cooked chicken)

Calories 320 Calories from Fat 117

% Daily Value*

Fat 13g20%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 2g

Monounsaturated Fat 7g

Cholesterol 145mg48%

Sodium 455mg20%

Potassium 839mg24%

Protein 48g96%

Vitamin A 68IU1%

Vitamin C 3mg4%

Calcium 12mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. This is an estimate and can vary pending your ingredients

How long does it take for boneless skinless chicken breast to bake?

Large chicken breasts (7oz or 200g) take about 20-22 minutes to cook. Medium-sized breasts (5 – 6oz or 150 – 180g) take about 18-20 minutes. You also have the option of throwing on your broiler in the last 2 minutes to get crispier edges!

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

Baking chicken breasts at 350 degrees results in more tender and juicy meat while baking them at 400 degrees produces crispy skin.

How long does it take to bake boneless chicken breasts at 350?

Cooking tips 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).

How long does it take to bake boneless skinless chicken breast at 400?

A medium size chicken breast (5 to 6 ounces each), takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes to bake in a 400 degree oven. I always bake chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit as the high temperature helps seal in the juices (and the flavor).