Guide: How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425 for Juicy Flavor

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If you’re searching for the perfect recipe to bake chicken breast at 425 degrees, you’re in luck! We have gathered all the factual data to help you answer the burning question, “How long to bake chicken breast at 425?” Whether you’re a culinary novice or an experienced home cook, this blog post will give you the precise baking time and techniques to achieve perfectly juicy and flavorful chicken breasts every time.

Recommended Cooking Times at 425°F

General guidelines for boneless, skinless chicken breast at 425°F:
  • Cooking time for small/thin chicken breast: At 425°F, cooking them for approximately 14-16 minutes is recommended. The specific cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
  • Cooking time for medium-sized chicken breast: The cooking time at 425°F should be around 18-20 minutes. Again, it is important to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the chicken breast.
  • Cooking time for large/thick chicken breast: If you have larger or thicker boneless, skinless chicken breasts, it is advisable to bake them for approximately 20-22 minutes at 425°F.
However, it is crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast using an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended temperature of 165°F. Is 425 Too High For Chicken Breast

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

  1. Size and thickness of the chicken breast: The size and thickness will greatly affect the cooking time. Larger and thicker chicken breasts require more time to cook through than smaller and thinner ones.
  2. Fresh or frozen chicken breast: Fresh chicken breasts will generally cook faster than frozen ones. If you are cooking frozen chicken breasts, it is recommended to thaw them completely before baking to ensure even cooking throughout.
  3. Bone-in or boneless chicken breast: Bones in the chicken breast can slow the cooking process. Bone-in chicken breasts usually require a longer cooking time than boneless ones. You may need an extra 5 -10 minutes for bone-in chicken breasts.
  4. Starting temperature of chicken breast: If you are taking the chicken breast straight from the refrigerator, it will need a little longer to cook through compared to if it is brought to room temperature before baking. Let the chicken breast sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
  5. Oven variations and accuracy: Different ovens may have slight variations in temperature accuracy. It is important to note that the cooking time provided is a general guideline and may need to be adjusted based on your specific oven.
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Checking for Doneness and Safe Internal Temperature

  1. Proper use of a meat thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast to avoid hitting any bones.
  2. Determining the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken breast: The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken breast is 165°F (74 °C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and is safe to consume.
  3. Recommended resting time before carving or serving: After baking the chicken breast, it is recommended to let it rest for a few minutes before carving or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.
  4. Troubleshooting common problems like undercooked or dry chicken breast: If your chicken breast is undercooked, it is best to continue baking until it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). On the other hand, if your chicken breast is dry, you may have overcooked it. To prevent this, try reducing the baking time or covering the chicken breast with aluminum foil to retain moisture.

Tips and Tricks for Perfectly Baked Chicken Breast

How Do You Ensure Juicy Chicken Breast When Baked At High Heat
  • Marinating or bringing the chicken breast: You can mix it with your favorite marinade in a resealable bag for at least 30 minutes or even overnight. If time is limited, you can also brine the chicken by soaking it in a mixture of salt and water for 1-2 hours. Both methods enhance the juiciness and tenderness of the chicken.
  • Seasoning options and flavor combinations: Some popular choices include garlic powder, paprika, cumin, thyme, rosemary, or a simple salt and pepper combination. Experimenting with different flavor combinations can add variety to your meals. You can even make multiple spice blends at once using tin foil dividers to separate them on the baking sheet.
  • Preheating the oven and using the right baking dish: To ensure even cooking, always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before placing the chicken breasts in. This allows for a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.
  • Avoiding common mistakes and overcooking: To avoid this, it is important to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken breast should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Remove the chicken from the oven as soon as it reaches this temperature to prevent overcooking.
Recommended side dishes and serving suggestions: Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve the chicken breast on a quinoa bed or with steamed broccoli.

How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425

Recipe by Maura BraunCourse: Blog, Chicken
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

5

minutes
Cooking time

25

minutes
Calorieskcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil,

  • ¼ teaspoon of paprika

  • ¼ teaspoon of dried basil

  • ¼ teaspoon of dried parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon of onion powder

  • ¼ teaspoon of pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Directions

  • These spices will add a delicious flavor to your chicken breast, and the olive oil will help keep it moist.
  • reheat your oven to 425 degrees and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. While heating the oven, clean excess fat off your chicken breasts using kitchen scissors. Next, pound the chicken using a meat mallet until it reaches about 1 inch thick. This step is crucial for ensuring that your chicken cooks evenly.
  • Once your chicken is pounded to the desired thickness, place it on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix all of the spices. Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then cover them with the spice mixture. Coat the chicken evenly with the spice mixture to flavor every bite.
  • Now it’s time to bake! Pop your chicken breasts in the oven and set the timer for 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure that it doesn’t overcook. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees, it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.

Notes

  • You can wrap the chicken in saran wrap or use a large ziploc bag to keep your kitchen clean and prevent cross-contamination.
  • You can ensure your chicken is cooked thoroughly using an internal thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and if it reads 165 degrees or higher, you’re good to go.

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