How to bake chicken breast so that it comes out juicy? Cook it for a short time at a high temperature and it will emerge from the oven perfectly cooked! Show
Baking the chicken for a short time in a hot 450°F oven helps to seal in the juices, while prolonged cooking in a moderate 350°F oven tends to dry it out. Chicken breast is so easy. I always have it on hand, and there are countless recipes where I can use it. But more often than not, I simply bake it in the oven. And when I do, I make sure not to dry it out. The secret? I cook it for a short time at a high temperature. Baking the chicken for 30 minutes at 350 degrees F will yield dry meat. But baking it for just 15-20 minutes at 450 degrees will result in delightfully juicy chicken, every time. Jump to:
IngredientsYou'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this truly tasty chicken recipe. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need: Chicken breasts: I use boneless skinless pieces in this recipe. I haven't experimented with bone-in ones. Olive oil spray: It's such a wonderful oil and I love its flavor and cook with it often. But if you prefer using an oil with a higher smoke point, you can use avocado oil instead. Kosher salt and black pepper: If using fine salt, you should reduce the amount you use, or the dish could end up too salty. Spices: I like to use garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and paprika. InstructionsScroll down to the recipe card for detailed instructions. Here are the basic steps for making this recipe:
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Frequently asked questionsHow do I bake chicken breast without drying it out? The secret is to cook it in high heat for a short time. Moderate heat and prolonged cooking time will dry it out. Should you cover the chicken with foil when baking? No, you shouldn't. You want it exposed to the dry heat of the oven. If you cover the chicken, it will steam in its own juices rather than bake. So you should leave it uncovered. What's the best temperature to bake chicken? When it comes to chicken breast, you should bake it in a 450°F oven. High-heat baking for a relatively short time will help it stay moist and juicy and prevent it from drying out. How long should I bake the chicken? Bake it for a short time - 15-20 minutes. Medium, 8-oz pieces will need about 20 minutes in a 450°F oven. For smaller, 6-oz pieces, 15 minutes should be enough. VariationsI love this recipe as is and almost always make it as written. But in case you'd like to vary the basic recipe, here are a couple of ideas for you:
Serving suggestionsAnything goes with this dish, really! It's incredibly versatile. But because I cook it in a 450°F oven, I like to serve it with a side that I can cook in the same oven, such as:
Storing leftoversYou can keep the leftovers in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. I like to make several at a time because the leftovers are so incredibly versatile. Using the leftoversSo what to do with the leftovers? They're obviously perfect as a topping for a salad such as this simple salad of baby spinach, tomatoes, red onions, and shaved parmesan: Apart from using the leftovers in salads, I use them in lots of tasty recipes! Here are a few ideas:
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👩🏻🍳 I typically publish a new or an updated recipe once a week. Want these recipes in your inbox? Subscribe! You can unsubscribe at any time. Recipe card4.98 from 977 votes Juicy Baked Chicken BreastHow to bake chicken breast? Bake it for a short time at a high temperature. You will get delightful results, every time. Prep Time10 mins Cook Time20 mins Rest time5 mins Total Time35 mins Course: Main Course Cuisine: American Servings: 2 servings Calories: 252kcal Author: Vered DeLeeuw INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
WATCH THE VIDEO:NOTES1. If your chicken breasts are much larger than 8 oz, you will need to bake them for longer, probably around 30 minutes. So check after 20 minutes.If you do need to bake them for longer, loosely cover them with foil, to prevent the tops (and especially the spices) from burning in the hot oven.2. While you could cut a small slit in the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it's cooked through, the disadvantage of doing that is that juices will escape and leave you with drier meat.That's why the best method is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. ADD YOUR OWN NOTESClick here to add your own private notes. They're only visible to you. If you clear your browser's cache, they'll be lost. DISCLAIMERSMost of our recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Nutrition info is approximate and the carb count excludes non-nutritive sweeteners. Nutrition info may contain errors, so please verify it independently. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Please read our Terms of Use carefully before using any of our recipes.
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