Quick Answer: The general rule of thumb for cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is to bake it for 20-25 minutes per pound.
If you’re looking to cook chicken breast in the oven, you might be wondering how long it will take to get perfectly cooked, juicy and tender chicken. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think, as there are several factors that can affect the cooking time, such as the size and thickness of the chicken breast, the type of oven you’re using, and the cooking method you choose. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how long to cook chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, along with some tips and tricks to ensure your chicken comes out perfectly every time.
So, How Long Should You Cook Chicken Breast in the Oven at 350?
The general rule of thumb for cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is to bake it for 20-25 minutes per pound. However, this is just an estimate, and there are several factors that can affect the cooking time. For instance, if you’re cooking a large, thick chicken breast, it may take longer than 25 minutes to cook all the way through. On the other hand, if you’re cooking a small, thin chicken breast, it may be fully cooked in less than 20 minutes.
To ensure that your chicken breast is cooked to perfection, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The FDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, and make sure it doesn’t touch any bone, as this can give you an inaccurate reading.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Perfect Chicken Breast in the Oven at 350
- Pound the chicken breast: If your chicken breast is thicker on one end than the other, you may have trouble cooking it evenly. To solve this problem, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness.
- Use a marinade: Marinating your chicken breast can add flavor and moisture, which can help prevent it from drying out in the oven. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by mixing together some olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Use a baking dish: To ensure that your chicken cooks evenly, use a baking dish that’s the right size for your chicken breast. If the baking dish is too big, the chicken may dry out, and if it’s too small, it may not cook all the way through.
- Cover the chicken: If you’re worried about your chicken breast drying out in the oven, you can cover it with foil or a lid to trap in the moisture. Just make sure to remove the cover for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
- Let it rest: After you’ve cooked your chicken breast, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, which will result in a juicier and more flavorful chicken breast.
Cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit can be a simple and delicious way to enjoy this versatile protein. By following the tips and tricks we’ve provided, you can ensure that your chicken breast comes out perfectly cooked every time. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different marinades and spices to add some variety to your meals. Happy cooking!
Here Are 5 Delicious Recipes For Cooking Juicy Chicken Breasts
Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, and discard the marinade.
- Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve.
Baked Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into melted butter, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve.
Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken: Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the skillet to deglaze.
- Stir in heavy cream and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and let them simmer for a few more minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry: Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the vegetables and bring it to a simmer. Cook for another minute.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve the teriyaki chicken stir-fry over cooked rice.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken: Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting a horizontal slit along one side.
- Season the inside of each pocket with salt and pepper.
- Stuff each pocket with a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and a basil leaf.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and juicy chicken breast recipes!
Cooking Tips For Yummy Chicken
Chicken is a versatile and delicious protein that can be prepared in numerous ways. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, mastering a few essential techniques and employing smart tricks can take your chicken dishes to the next level. In this blog, we will explore some valuable tips to help you create juicy and flavorful chicken every time. We’ll also highlight essential tools that can aid in the cooking process. Let’s dive in!
- Properly Season and Marinate: Seasoning is the key to infusing flavor into your chicken. Before cooking, generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and any additional spices or herbs of your choice. For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of your favorite ingredients like citrus juices, herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Marinating not only enhances the taste but also helps tenderize the meat.
- Optimal Cooking Techniques: a. Searing: Searing chicken in a hot skillet or grill helps develop a beautiful crust and seal in the juices. Make sure the skillet or grill is preheated before adding the chicken to achieve a nice caramelization. b. Roasting: Roasting chicken in the oven at a moderate temperature ensures even cooking and a golden exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). c. Braising: Braising involves cooking chicken slowly in liquid, such as broth or sauce, over low heat. This method results in tender and moist meat. Try braising with aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and herbs for added flavor. d. Grilling: Grilling chicken imparts a smoky flavor and creates those coveted grill marks. Preheat the grill and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken to avoid drying it out.
- Resting Period: Allowing chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking is essential. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end product. Tent the cooked chicken with foil to retain the heat while resting.
- Utilize Meat Thermometer: Invest in a good-quality meat thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked chicken. It takes the guesswork out of determining doneness, preventing undercooking or overcooking. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone, and when it reads 165°F (74°C), your chicken is ready to be savored.
- Tools to Enhance Cooking Experience: a. Meat Tenderizer: A meat tenderizer helps break down the muscle fibers, making the chicken more tender and flavorful. Use it to flatten chicken breasts or thighs for quicker and even cooking. b. Instant-Read Thermometer: Alongside a meat thermometer, an instant-read thermometer allows you to quickly check the temperature during cooking without leaving the oven or grill open for extended periods. c. Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet provides excellent heat distribution and retention, resulting in a beautiful sear on your chicken. It can be used for various cooking techniques, including searing, sautéing, and even baking. d. Grill Pan: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan is a fantastic alternative. It creates those desirable grill marks and imparts a charred flavor to your chicken.
Conclusion: By following these cooking tips and utilizing the right techniques and tools, you can elevate your chicken dishes to new heights. Proper seasoning, marinating, and cooking techniques will ensure juicy and flavorful chicken every time. Remember to use a meat thermometer for precise doneness and allow the chicken to rest before serving. With these tricks and tools in
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