I’m looking to cook chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees, but not sure how long it should take. Knowing the exact cooking time is crucial to ensure your chicken is tender, juicy, and safe. In this guide, we will walk you through the process and answer the burning question: How long to cook chicken breast in oven at 350 degrees? So, let’s dive in and uncover the secrets to always achieving perfectly cooked chicken breast.
Recommended Cooking Times for Chicken Breast in Oven at 350°F
Cooking times for boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cooking times for thin chicken breasts (½ inch thickness): For boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are thin (½ inch thick), the oven’s recommended cooking time at 350°F is approximately 15 to 20 minutes. It is important to note that the actual cooking time may vary depending on the specific thickness of the chicken breast and the individual oven.
- Cooking times for medium-thick chicken breasts (¾ inch thickness): If the boneless, skinless chicken breasts are of medium-thickness (¾ inch thickness), cooking them in the oven at 350°F for around 20 to 25 minutes is recommended. Again, the cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the chicken breast and oven differences.
- Cooking times for thick chicken breasts (1-inch thickness): For boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are thick (1-inch thickness), it is advisable to cook them in the oven at 350°F for approximately 25 to 30 minutes. However, it is essential to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Cooking times for bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- Cooking times for bone-in, skin-on thin chicken breasts: When cooking thin, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, it is suggested to bake them in the oven at 350°F for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. The bones help conduct heat throughout the meat, resulting in even cooking, while the skin helps retain moisture and enhance the flavor.
- Cooking times for bone-in, skin-on, medium-thick chicken breasts: If the bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are of medium-thickness, it is recommended to bake them in the oven at 350°F for around 40 to 45 minutes. This duration ensures the chicken is cooked while maintaining its juiciness and tenderness.
- Cooking times for bone-in, skin-on-thick chicken breasts: For thick, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, the recommended cooking time at 350°F is approximately 45 to 55 minutes. It is important to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Adjustments for Frozen Chicken Breast
Thawing the chicken breast beforehand
Thawing the frozen chicken breast is crucial before cooking it in the oven. This can be done by placing the chicken breast in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. It is essential to avoid thawing the chicken breast at room temperature, as this increases the risk of bacterial growth.
Longer cooking time for frozen chicken breast
Since frozen chicken breast requires additional cooking time to ensure thorough cooking, extending the normal cooking time by 50% is important. This allows for even heating and eliminates any potential for undercooked chicken.
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Factors Affecting Cooking Time for Chicken Breast
- The thickness of the Chicken Breast: The thickness of the chicken breast plays a significant role in determining the cooking time. Thicker chicken breasts will require more cooking time than thinner ones. Ensuring the chicken breast is evenly thick is necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Initial Temperature of the Chicken Breast: The initial temperature of the chicken breast can also affect the cooking time. If the chicken breast is taken out from the refrigerator, it will take longer to cook compared to when it is brought to room temperature. It is recommended to let the chicken breast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
- Oven Temperature Accuracy: The accuracy of the oven temperature is crucial to achieve the desired cooking time. It is essential to use an oven thermometer to ensure that the temperature indicated on the oven dial matches the actual temperature inside the oven. Inaccurate temperature can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken breast.
- Pre-heating the Oven: Pre-heating the oven to the recommended temperature is essential for achieving consistent and accurate cooking times. For cooking chicken breast at 350°F, it is advisable to pre-heat the oven for at least 10-15 minutes before placing the chicken breast inside.
- Use of Convection Oven: A convection oven can reduce the cooking time for chicken breasts. The convection feature helps to circulate hot air evenly around the chicken, allowing it to cook faster and more evenly. If using a convection oven, it is recommended to reduce the cooking time by about 25% compared to a conventional oven.
Alternative Cooking Methods for Chicken Breast
- Grilling: Grilling chicken breasts is a popular method that imparts a smoky and charred flavor. To grill chicken breasts, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with your desired spices and brush them with oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- . Flip the chicken breasts only once to ensure an even cook.
- Pan-searing: Pan-searing is a quick and simple method to cook chicken breasts on the stovetop. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil or butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and other desired spices. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sous vide: To cook chicken breasts sous vide, preheat the water bath to 145°F (63°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and herbs. Place the chicken breasts in a vacuum-sealed bag and remove any air. Submerge the bag in the water bath and cook for 1-2 hours. Once done, sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet for a minute on each side to develop a golden crust.
Hey there, it’s Maura Braun from Maura’s Kitchen of Millbrook! If you love all things BBQ and grilling, my blog is the perfect place for you. But my passion for food doesn’t stop at the restaurant. I also love sharing my smoker, grilling, and BBQ experiences on my blog. From juicy brisket to perfectly smoked ribs, I’m always experimenting with new techniques and flavor combinations.
