How Long to Bake Chicken & More Chicken-Baking Tips
GET THE RECIPE HERE.
People turn to baked chicken breast when they're trying to be healthy - and there's nothing wrong with that. The problem is that a lot of people overcook and under-season chicken breasts, and that makes us really sad. Here's how to bake chicken perfectly every time - including just how long to bake it for.
1. Get the oven hot!
400° is your magic temperature. Any lower and you risk baking the chicken for too long, which may lead to tough meat.
2. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season it GENEROUSLY!
Let's be honest, boneless, skinless chicken breast is really boring. The secret to combating this issue isn't complicated. It's salt! We like to season by taste, but a good trick is 3/4 teaspoon salt for every 1 pound of chicken. You can eyeball black pepper.
Dried herbs and ground spices are also great for baked chicken. The combination of cumin + chili powder + paprika is great if you're in the mood for Tex-Mex. Dried oregano + garlic powder is another one of our favorites.
3. Use fresh herbs, too!
Speaking of herbs, heartier sprigs like thyme and rosemary are great for baking chicken. Just nestle them around the meat. (Leafier herbs like parsley and cilantro are better for garnishing later.)
4. Get saucy!
A great way to add extra flavor is to smother the chicken in sauce. Think salsa verde, barbecue sauce, and ranch. NBD if you don't have anything on hand. This is extra credit.
5. Get baked!
Bake the chicken in a oven-proof vessel - it can be a baking sheet, casserole dish, or even a skillet. Depending on the size of your chicken breasts, the baking time will vary, but 4-ounce boneless breasts will take around 20 minutes, whereas bone-in thighs will take an extra 10 minutes. The internal temperature should be 165°.
6. Let it rest!
Don't go slicing it right away or you'll lose all the juices! On a cutting board, cover the cooked chicken with foil and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Get all our AMAZING baked chicken recipes here.
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