How Long Does It Take to Bake Chicken Breast at 350°F for Juicy, Tender Results?

Find out how long to bake chicken so it’s always juicy and tender. We talk about the right temperature for baking chicken breasts and how to tell when they’re done, as well as easy ways to bake any kind of chicken.

Baked chicken is not only delicious, but it happens to be healthier than deep frying or stir frying. However, if you overcook it and you’ll get chewy, dry meat. On the other hand, undercooking it risks bacterial contamination.

So read on to find out how to get the best results each and every time!

Baking chicken breast at 350°F is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to cook this healthy, versatile protein. When done right, oven-baked chicken breast comes out tender and juicy every time. However, nailing the timing can sometimes be tricky. Undercook it and you risk food poisoning, overdo it and you end up with dry, stringy meat.

So exactly how long does it take to bake boneless, skinless chicken breast at 350°F to achieve perfection? Read on for a detailed guide with timings tips and tricks to help you master this simple cooking technique.

Factors That Affect Chicken Breast Baking Time

Several key factors impact the baking time needed for boneless chicken breasts at 350°F, including:

  • How thick the breast is—The longer the bake time, the thicker the breast. Breasts around 1 inch thick take 20-25 minutes. Thinner ones may be done in 15-20 minutes.

  • Oven variations – All ovens bake a bit differently, Get an oven thermometer to check your actual temperature,

  • Initial temperature – Room temperature chicken cooks faster than refrigerated. Let sit 20-30 minutes before baking.

  • Marinades and coatings – Brines, rubs and breadcrumbs can affect cook time. Watch closely.

  • Quantity – More chicken breasts require more time to cook through. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Because so many variables are at play, rely on a meat thermometer rather than time alone to gauge doneness.

Step-By-Step Method for Baked Chicken Breast

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked chicken breast:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Use an oven thermometer to confirm temperature if possible.

  2. Prepare chicken. Rinse, pat dry and trim any excess fat. Pound to even thickness if needed.

  3. Season. Cover the chicken in oil and season it with salt, pepper, and any herbs or spices you like.

  4. Arrange in baking dish. Place chicken in a single layer with space between breasts.

  5. Bake 20-25 minutes. Check at 20 minutes. Bake up to 30 minutes max for very thick breasts.

  6. Test doneness. Chicken is done at an internal temperature of 165°F.

  7. Rest 5-10 minutes. Tent with foil before slicing for juicy results.

Helpful Tips and Variations

  • Brine chicken in saltwater for added moisture and flavor.

  • Coat with breadcrumbs, Parmesan or spices for crunchy baked chicken.

  • Bake with sliced lemons, herbs or compound butter under the skin or on top.

  • Roast with potatoes, carrots and other veggies for an easy one-pan meal.

  • Bake frozen chicken covered at 375°F approximately 50% longer.

  • Use marinades, rubs and sauces like barbecue, teriyaki or Italian dressing.

  • Bake in muffin tins or ramekins for individual portions.

  • Layer baked chicken in sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastas and more.

  • Store baked chicken breast refrigerated up to 4 days or frozen up to 4 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent dry chicken breast when baking?

  • Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and stop at 165°F.
  • Brine chicken in saltwater before baking.
  • Coat with oil and seasonings. Baste with butter or pan juices while baking.

What is the minimum safe internal temperature for cooked chicken?

165°F is the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken to kill potentially harmful bacteria.

Should I bake bone-in or boneless chicken breasts?

Boneless breasts cook more quickly and evenly. Bone-in may have more flavor. Cut slits to prevent curling.

Can I bake frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but thaw first for food safety and best results. If using frozen, bake covered at 375°F approximately 50% longer.

What if my chicken breasts are thick?

Pound to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Or bake longer, testing frequently with a meat thermometer for doneness.

How long does baked chicken last in the fridge?

Cooked chicken breast stored properly in an airtight container will last 3 to 4 days refrigerated. Freeze up to 4 months for longer storage.

The Takeaway

Perfectly baked chicken breast requires paying attention to thickness, cook time, temperature and resting. For boneless, skinless breasts 1 inch thick, bake at 350°F for approximately 20-25 minutes until cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy. Rest before slicing for juicy, tender oven-baked chicken every time.

how long does it take to bake chicken breast at 350

Tips For Making Juicy and Tender Oven Baked Chicken

While baking times and temperatures are important, there are a few other tips for juicy baked chicken:

  • Brine the chicken before baking to keep it moist.
  • For the first half of the baking time, cover the chicken with foil to keep it from drying out (or burning if you use high temperatures).
  • Use melted butter and a high-smoke-point oil to baste the chicken to keep it moist.
  • Use a meat thermometer to find out how hot the chicken is inside.
  • If you want the chicken to be more tender, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes after baking. This will let the juices mix again.
  • If you cut into chicken to see if it’s done, the meat will dry out because the juices will escape. Use a thermometer instead.

How Long to Bake Chicken

Cooking times and temperatures will depend on the cut, weight, and recipe. The safe internal temperature for poultry is 165°F (74°C) and you should always check it using an instant-read thermometer. Also, you need to rest your chicken after baking to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and keep it extra moist.

Is it better to Bake chicken at 350 or 400?

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