How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 350, 375, 400 and 425°F
Baked chicken breast is a weeknight staple because it is simple, healthy and goes with almost anything. The hard part is getting it cooked through without drying it out. Pull it too early and it is unsafe. Leave it in too long and it turns chalky.
Below you will find baking times for boneless and bone-in chicken breasts at the most common oven temperatures, the one temperature that actually tells you it is done, and a few easy tricks for juicy chicken every time.
Quick answer: Bake boneless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces) for about 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F, 20 to 25 minutes at 375°F, 18 to 22 minutes at 400°F, or 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F. Bone-in breasts need about 10 to 20 minutes longer. The chicken is done when a thermometer in the thickest part reads 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Chicken Breast Baking Times by Temperature
| Oven temperature | Boneless breast (6 to 8 oz) | Bone-in breast (8 to 12 oz) |
|---|---|---|
| 350°F | 25 to 30 minutes | 40 to 50 minutes |
| 375°F | 20 to 25 minutes | 35 to 45 minutes |
| 400°F | 18 to 22 minutes | 30 to 40 minutes |
| 425°F | 15 to 20 minutes | 25 to 35 minutes |
These are starting points. The thickness of the breast matters more than the weight, and every oven runs a little differently. For reference, the USDA chart shared by Healthline lists 20 to 30 minutes for small boneless breast halves and 30 to 40 minutes for bone-in halves at 350°F. Food Network gives 20 to 30 minutes for large boneless breasts at 375°F.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400°F
This is the most searched temperature, and for good reason. At 400°F, a boneless breast cooks fast enough to stay juicy and still gets a little color on top. Plan on 18 to 22 minutes for an average breast, and start checking at 18.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 350°F
350°F is gentler and works well for thick breasts or chicken baked in a sauce or casserole. Expect 25 to 30 minutes for boneless and 40 to 50 minutes for bone-in. Because it cooks slowly, it is a little more forgiving if you get distracted.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425°F
High heat gives you the most browning in the least time, usually 15 to 20 minutes for boneless breasts. It is great for thin or pounded breasts. Keep an eye on thin pieces, because they can go from perfect to dry in a few minutes.
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 375°F
375°F is a dependable middle ground. Boneless breasts take about 20 to 25 minutes, and bone-in breasts about 35 to 45 minutes.
How to Tell When Chicken Is Done
The only reliable way is an instant-read thermometer. FoodSafety.gov lists 165°F as the safe minimum internal temperature for all poultry. Push the probe into the thickest part of the breast, away from any bone. If it reads 160 to 162°F, you can take it out; the temperature will climb a few more degrees as it rests.
No thermometer? Cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white all the way through with clear juices, not pink or glossy. That method is less precise, though, and cutting early lets juices escape, so a cheap thermometer is worth it.
How to Bake Juicy Chicken Breast
- Even out the thickness. Chicken breasts are thick at one end and thin at the other. Pound the thick end to about 3/4 inch so it cooks evenly.
- Season well. Brush with a little olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the surface from drying.
- Try a quick brine. Soaking breasts in salted water (about 1/4 cup salt to 4 cups water) for 30 minutes to a few hours helps them hold moisture.
- Do not crowd the pan. Leave space between pieces so hot air can move around them.
- Use a thermometer. Pull the chicken at 160 to 165°F.
- Let it rest. Cover loosely with foil and wait 5 minutes before slicing.
Simple Baked Chicken Breast Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish or sheet pan.
- Pat 2 to 4 boneless chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Pound the thick ends so the breasts are even.
- Rub with olive oil and season on both sides.
- Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the center reaches 165°F.
- Rest 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Can You Bake Frozen Chicken Breast?
Yes. Cooking chicken from frozen is safe in the oven, but it takes about 50 percent longer. A boneless breast that takes 20 minutes thawed may need around 30 minutes or more from frozen. Season it partway through, once the surface has thawed, and always check for 165°F. Do not cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, because it stays in the unsafe temperature range too long.
Storing Leftover Baked Chicken
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in a covered container and use them within 3 to 4 days. Sliced baked chicken is great in salads, wraps and pasta. If you prefer poached chicken for meal prep, see our guide on how long to boil chicken breast. For an easy side, try boiled potatoes or corn on the cob.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
Both work. 400°F is faster and gives more browning, while 350°F is gentler and good for thick breasts or chicken in sauce. Many cooks prefer 400°F for plain boneless breasts.
Should I cover chicken breast when baking?
Usually no. Baking uncovered lets the outside brown. Cover with foil only if the top is browning too fast or you are baking it in a sauce.
Why is my baked chicken dry?
It is almost always overcooked. Uneven thickness is another cause, since the thin end dries out while the thick end finishes. Pound the breasts and use a thermometer.
Do I need to flip chicken breast in the oven?
No. Flipping is not necessary for boneless breasts on a sheet pan or baking dish.
How long to bake chicken tenders?
Chicken tenders are much thinner and usually take 12 to 18 minutes at 400 to 425°F.
The Bottom Line
How long to bake chicken breast depends on the heat and the cut: about 18 to 22 minutes at 400°F for boneless, 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F, and 10 to 20 minutes more for bone-in. Whatever temperature you choose, cook to 165°F and let it rest for 5 minutes. That is the real secret to juicy chicken.
