How to Cook Juicy, Tender Chicken Breasts in a Breville Toaster Oven

Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared in endless ways. However it’s easy to overcook chicken breast, leaving it dry and flavorless. The key is using the right techniques and cook times to lock in moisture and flavor. With a Breville toaster oven, you can achieve restaurant-quality chicken breast with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.

Why Use a Toaster Oven?

A toaster oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air provides more consistent heating than a traditional full-size oven. The smaller cavity size allows for faster preheating, so your chicken reaches the target temperature quicker without overcooking the exterior. Many Breville models also have an integrated air fryer function that uses super convection heat to crisp up the chicken skin.

Picking the Right Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with. Opt for breasts around 6-8 oz each for more even cooking. Avoid ultrathin sliced breasts, which can dry out very quickly.

For the juiciest results, choose air-chilled chicken when possible. Air-chilled chicken isn’t plumped with salty broth like water-chilled chicken. This gives you better control over the seasoning.

Proper Seasoning is Key

One of the most important things you can do to make chicken juicy and flavorful is to season it right. Add salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like to both sides of the raw chicken. Before cooking, let the chicken rest for 15 to 30 minutes so that the salt can get deep into the meat. This helps the chicken retain more moisture as it cooks.

Use a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Once the chicken reaches 165°F on the inside, it is safe to eat. However, shooting for 155-160°F will give you the juiciest results. The chicken will continue cooking to 165°F as it rests.

Be careful not to touch any bones as you put the probe into the thickest part of the breast. Digital thermometers that you can leave in the chicken while it cooks make it easy to keep an eye on the temperature.

Pick the Right Cooking Method

There are a few different ways to cook chicken breasts in a Breville toaster oven:

Air Fry Mode

The Air Fry mode uses super convection heat from the top heating elements to simulate deep frying. The high heat helps render fat under the skin for deliciously crispy chicken skin. Rub a light coat of oil on the skin before air frying. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until browned and crisp.

Oven Mode

Cook bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in regular oven mode at 375°F for 18-22 minutes depending on thickness. The bone and skin help insulate the delicate breast meat. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Broil Mode

Broiling is great for quick cooking and caramelizing the exterior. Place boneless breasts on a broiling pan coated with oil. Broil 5 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Roast Mode

Roast bone-in chicken breasts at 375°F for 25-35 minutes until cooked through. The gentle ambient heat from all sides keeps the meat very moist.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2″ thickness so they cook evenly. Place between plastic wrap or waxed paper before pounding.

• Marinate the chicken for added moisture and flavor. Buttermilk, yogurt, citrus juice, vinegars, and aromatic spices make excellent marinades.

• Coat the chicken with cornstarch, flour, or panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an ultra crispy exterior.

• Cook the chicken on a rack over a baking pan. This allows air circulation all around to prevent steaming.

• Brush chicken with oil or melted butter several times during cooking to keep it from drying out.

• Insert fresh herb sprigs like thyme, rosemary, or sage under the skin before cooking for fantastic aroma and flavor.

• After cooking, tent the chicken loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier texture.

• Pair your chicken with flavorful sauces and glazes like chimichurri, teriyaki, bbq sauce, pesto, or fresh salsa.

Sample Recipes to Try

Here are a few delicious sample recipes for cooking moist, flavorful chicken breasts in a Breville toaster oven:

Crispy Parmesan Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with foil.
2. Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
   3.Brush chicken all over with oil. Coat top side completely with Parmesan.
3. Place chicken Parmesan side up on baking pan.
4. Bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned and chicken is cooked through.

Pesto Chicken Pinwheels

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/3 cup prepared pesto
• 2 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh basil leaves

1. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4″ thickness between plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spread each breast with pesto. Top with mozzarella slices, peppers and basil.
3. Roll up each breast and secure with toothpicks.
4. Place pinwheels seam side down in Breville toaster oven.
5. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.

BBQ Chicken Kebabs

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• Red onion, cut into 1″ chunks
• Bell pepper, cut into 1″ chunks
• BBQ sauce
• Metal skewers

1. Thread chicken cubes, onion and pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
2. Brush kebabs all over with BBQ sauce.
3. Cook in Breville toaster oven on Air Fry mode at 400°F, turning once, for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
4. Brush with more BBQ sauce before serving.

With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can make incredibly moist, flavorful chicken breast meals in your Breville toaster oven. Refer to an instant read thermometer and the visual cues listed above to determine when your chicken is perfectly cooked. With a little practice, you’ll be able to prepare juicy, tender chicken breasts to enjoy any night of the week.

The ideal baking temperature for chicken depends on the cut and desired outcome.