Baked Lemon Chicken Breast Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400? ›

A 4-ounce chicken breast should be roasted at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Knowing how to properly prepare chicken can keep you safe and well-fed.

If you prefer a tender and moist result, covered baking will be the better option. If you're desiring a crispy exterior and bolder flavors, uncovered baking is best.

Getting a good sear through medium high heat, then reducing the heat to LOW and COVERING the chicken while it cooks. The butter, oil, and chicken juices create a super flavorful liquid that acts as a way to steam the chicken at a low temperature, ensuring that it is moist & tender on the inside.

You never have to worry about covering chicken while baking, as it's fine to bake it uncovered, and once your chicken is in the oven, it's hands-free until you need to check the temperature. So you can whip up a no-cook appetizer, side dish, or dessert if you're feeling ambitious.

Timing is key.

At 400 degrees F, I find that my chicken breasts are done between 20 and 30 minutes. It really depends on how thick and large your chicken breasts are.

Bonus: baking chicken breasts in the oven doesn't require babysitting. No flipping or turning.

Make the chicken thinner

Thinner breasts or cutlets are less likely to dry out, as they won't spend as much time in the pan. A simple option is to pound the chicken until it is 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet/pounder, heavy skillet or even a hammer. This is best done between parchment paper or plastic wrap.

It's usually not necessary to add water to the pan for a roast chicken: the steam created by the water can prevent the skin from becoming browned and crisp.

Cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) typically takes about 25-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.

What is the best temperature to cook chicken breast at in the oven? ›

Bake Chicken Breast at 425°F

425°F is the best temperature for baking chicken. The chicken turns golden on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. At a lower temperature like 350°F, the chicken can dry out, as it will need to be in the oven for a longer period.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° when checked with an instant read meat thermometer. Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Soak them in a solution of salt and water for about 30 minutes to an hour. This helps the chicken retain moisture during the baking process, resulting in juicier and more tender meat. Marinate the chicken breasts in a flavorful mixture of herbs, spices, and acidic ingredients like yogurt or citrus juice.

If you're baking it, keep it covered with a baking sheet or with the pan-top for about 80% of the total baking time, uncover it only when the breast is cooked and tender but there's juices in the pan. Once uncovered, the juices will evaporate quickly in the oven, and you'll have a juicy chicken breast to eat.

The chicken turns golden on the outside and unbelievably juicy inside. At a lower temperature like 350°F, the chicken can dry out, as it will need to be in the oven for a longer period.

Otherwise, follow this general formula: Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven.

To Bake Chicken Breast at 400°F: This will take between 22 and 26 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. You can cook chicken breasts at 350°F for closer to 25-30 minutes (although I prefer the higher heat above).

The best way to bake chicken breasts is the oven is at 400 F. Simply drizzle some olive oil in the bottom of your baking dish, season your skinless chicken breasts generously and add a pat of butter on top of each chicken breast.