The answer to the question “How long to bake chicken at 400 f” depends on the cut of chicken that you are cooking; chicken breast or chicken thighs; how the chicken is prepared; whether it is bone in or boneless; whether the skin is on or it’s skinless, whether it’s a whole chicken breast or it has been sliced and/or pounded thin, etc.
Broiling can produce wonderful results with boneless skinless chicken thighs, but doesn’t work out great for boneless chicken breasts.
The cooking method and the time all depends on the cut and/or the recipe so let’s get into some of the most common chicken dishes we can bake in the oven, the temperature to bake them at, and for how long to bake them.
Baking chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results every time. While exact cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the breasts, the general rule is that boneless, skinless chicken breasts take 21 to 26 minutes to bake at this temperature.
Follow these tips and techniques for baking the perfect chicken breast at 400 degrees.
Select the Right Chicken Breasts
For the best results, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. Having uniform pieces will allow them to cook evenly. Fresh, plump chicken breasts with a slight pink hue are ideal. Avoid frozen chicken breasts as they tend to dry out during baking.
Prepare and Season
Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish without overcrowding. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or any of your favorite spices and herbs. Rub the seasoning evenly over the entire surface of the chicken. Allowing it to penetrate boosts flavor.
Preheat the Oven
Preheating is essential for even cooking. Set the oven to 400°F and let it heat up for 10 to 15 minutes before you start baking. This heats the oven up just right before putting the chicken in so it can start cooking right away.
Bake Uncovered
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for optimal heat circulation and browning. Tenting with foil can cause steaming. Bake for 21-26 minutes without opening the oven door. Peeking can cause temperature fluctuations.
Check Doneness
The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe 165°F internal temperature is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, taking care to avoid touching bone. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a breast to check if the meat is opaque throughout with clear juices.
Allow Resting Time
Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. The carryover cooking will continue to raise the internal temperature a bit during the resting period. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows juices to redistribute back into the meat for maximum moistness.
Add Flavor After Baking
After baking, consider topping the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sauce to add a flavor boost. Slice and serve over fresh greens for a simple yet delicious meal.
Tips for the Best Results
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Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate
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Avoid overcrowding chicken in the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
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Raise the chicken off the bottom of the pan with a baking rack to let more air flow.
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Brining or marinating before baking helps chicken retain moisture.
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Baste chicken with pan juices during baking to prevent drying out.
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Invest in an oven thermometer if your oven runs hot or cold.
Common Baking Problems and Solutions
Dry, chewy chicken: Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and stop baking at 165°F. Consider brining chicken before baking.
Undercooked chicken: Return to oven and continue baking until the thermometer hits 165°F internally.
Uneven cooking: Ensure oven is preheated. Rotate pan halfway through. Don’t overcrowd chicken.
Pale, soft skin: Pat chicken dry before baking. Make sure oven is at 400°F. Broil for a couple minutes at the end.
Burned exterior: Use a lower temperature like 375°F if chicken is browning too quickly. Tent with foil.
Serving Ideas
Baked chicken breast at 400 degrees is extremely versatile. Here are just a few serving ideas:
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Dice and add to salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes
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Shred or slice for sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads
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Toss with buffalo sauce for chicken wings
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Dice and mix into soups, casseroles, stir fries
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Make chicken salad with mayo, celery, onion, herbs
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Stuff into pitas with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato
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Top with chimichurri or pesto sauce
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Pair with roasted potatoes and vegetables
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Add to tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas
Baked Chicken Breast Satisfies
When perfectly executed, oven-baked chicken breast at 400 degrees emerges tender and juicy on the inside with golden, crispy skin on the outside. Taking 21-26 minutes to cook through, it’s a quick and easy route to delicious and healthy chicken dinners. Follow proper technique and enjoy this versatile high-protein option as the star of the meal or as the centerpiece of endless recipes. Satisfy cravings and nourish your body with baked chicken breast.
Is There A Difference In Cooking Times Between Bone-In And Boneless Chicken Breasts?
Yes, cooking chicken with the bones in will take longer than cooking the same cut of the chicken with the bones removed. Always check your recipe for a cooking time estimate and use a meat thermometer to test the internal temperature of the meat prior to serving.
In this baked chicken breast article we will also cover the following topics:
- What cuts of chicken you can buy and how to bake them
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Can I Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?
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Broiling Chicken in the Oven
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How long to bake chicken breast at 400?
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How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400 After Searing
- How to bake chicken breasts at 400 F so they don’t dry out
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What the best temperature to bake chicken at is
- How to use a meat thermometer to make sure a chicken breast is cooked all the way through
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How to season chicken breasts and other cuts of chicken
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What to serve with your oven baked chicken breasts
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How to get Crispy Skin On My Baked Chicken Breasts?
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Baked Chicken Breast Nutrition
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Is baked chicken breast healthy?
- Should I heat up the oven before putting chicken breasts in it?
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What Internal Temperature Should I cook Chicken to?
- Is the time it takes to cook chicken breasts with and without bones different?
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Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
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Is 425 too high for chicken breast?
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Our Favorite chicken recipes
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What Can I Do With Leftover Chicken Breast?
How long does chicken take to bake at 400?
FAQ
How long does chicken breast take to cook at 400 degrees?
Baking chicken breast at 400°F typically takes 20-25 minutes, but the exact time can vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts.
Is it better to cook chicken breast at 350 or 400?
For baking chicken breasts, 400°F is generally considered better than 350°F. If you use skin-on chicken, a higher temperature, like 400°F, helps to crisp the skin and cook the chicken faster, which can make the inside more juicy.
Should I bake chicken breast covered or uncovered?
Whether you bake chicken breast covered or uncovered depends on the desired outcome. Covering the chicken while baking results in a more tender, moist, and evenly cooked chicken, but it may not develop a crispy skin. Baking uncovered allows for browning and crisping of the skin.
How to bake a chicken breast without drying it out?
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°. Editor’s Tip: The temperature of the chicken is important. If the temperature is below 165°, you could get sick from the food, but if it’s above 165°, the chicken will be dry and tough, so use a good meat thermometer.