Baked Chicken Breast {Tender & Juicy in 20 minutes!} - Belly Full (2024)

FAQs

How to cook chicken breasts so they are moist and tender? ›

Given the fact that drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and won't dry out as easily as breasts, the range from 350 to 450 degrees is okay for baking them. 350 to 375 is generally best for breasts. The best answer to these questions? Simply check the chicken for doneness using an instant read thermometer.

Thaw frozen chicken slowly in your refrigerator, or thaw it faster by putting it in a leak-proof package or plastic bag and submerging in cold tap water. Bake a 4-oz. 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).

Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results.

Brine. Like a marinade, a brine helps chicken breast soak up as much moisture as possible before cooking. It only requires three ingredients: water, salt, and a pinch of sugar.

Temperature and Timing

Cooking lean meats at a high temperature means they cook more quickly, and this can help capture the moisture and flavor. Adler recommends cooking bone-in chicken breast at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, which can take up to 20 minutes for a bone-in breast.

Using a method called “dry-poaching” is best. It involves covering the breasts with a piece of parchment paper before they go in the oven. This allows them to baste in their own juices so they cook up to be tender and juicy.

Bake chicken breasts uncovered at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes or until a meat thermometer shows the chicken is heated to 165°F. To store: Let chicken stand 30 minutes to cool. Individually wrap chicken breasts in waxed or parchment paper ($4, Target).

Yes, chicken breast will get softer the longer you cook it.

How long do you bake chicken breast at 350 degrees? This depends greatly on the size of the chicken breasts, but typically about 30 minutes for a 6-8 ounce chicken breast. See below for approximate cooking time for other size breasts.

When baking chicken, do you cover it with foil? ›

Moisture Retention: Covering chicken with foil helps retain moisture, preventing it from drying out. This is particularly useful for lean cuts like chicken breasts or when baking a whole chicken. The foil traps steam, keeping the meat tender and juicy.

When cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350°F (175°C), the approximate cooking time is around 25 to 30 minutes. However, cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the chicken breast.

You should bake them in a 450°F oven. High-heat baking for a relatively short time will help them stay moist and juicy and prevent them from drying out. You have two choices: bake the chicken for 30-40 minutes (depending on its size) in a 350°F oven or for 20-30 minutes in a 450°F oven.

It's usually not necessary to add water to the pan for a roast chicken: the steam created by the water can prevent the skin from becoming browned and crisp.

A 15-minute sit at room temperature will make the chicken cook more evenly, helping you avoid a brown outside with a raw, undercooked inside. Solution: When you're gathering all of the ingredients for dinner, go ahead and take the chicken (in the plate or dish where it's stored) out of the fridge.

To start, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of salt for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won't be dry or tough.

Chicken stock or broth is the best liquid to impart flavor and moisture back into dry chicken. Warm your broth over a medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Place your shredded chicken in the pan until it is barely covered with enough broth to coat the chicken.