Oven-baked chicken breasts are a wonderful, protein-packed meal. This versatile item can be part of various dishes and is also consumed as the main dish with sides. However, even the best chef sometimes encounters problems with baking them.
Improper baking can cause you to end up with flavorless breasts, ruining your eating experience. But the great news is that it’s not at all complicated to create the perfect, juicy chicken breasts. All you need is to know the right technique. A critical part is knowing how long to cook the chicken breast in the oven. We’ll give you expert answers to all these questions.
The Time Period to Cook Thin Chicken Breast in Oven
You can cook chicken breast in the oven anywhere for 10 to 15 minutes at 400F or 450F. This is the perfect sweet spot that will make your chicken breasts turn out crispy and juicy. You will be amazed to find out how tender the breasts are.
Although chicken breasts are also baked on low at 350F for about 30 minutes, it won’t give you the same results. According to the FDA, cooked chicken temperature should be about 165F. So, it is best to use an instant-read thermometer to gauge the cooking temperature. Now that you know how long to cook these babies, let’s dive into the recipe for creating the best oven-baked thin chicken breasts.
What You Need to Prepare Oven-Baked Thin Chicken Breasts?
Gather the following ingredients to prepare the yummiest oven-baked chicken breasts.
- Precut, thinly sliced chicken breasts. You have the option to buy either fresh or frozen chicken breasts. If you are looking for something affordable, buy boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them horizontally in half yourself.
- Olive oil or butter. The fat in these items browns the chicken and adds moisture. It also helps bind the seasonings to the meat and further enhances the flavor. The source of fat also plays a crucial role in making the breasts stay juicier.
- Seasonings like paprika, onion and garlic powder, and dried basil. Paprika gives a peppery overtone to the chicken, while onion and garlic powder enhance the meat’s natural flavor. Dried basil makes up for a good food presentation. Don’t forget salt and pepper as well.
The Recipe for Baked Thin Chicken Breasts
To bake the chicken breasts perfectly, you must master the 5-step baking process. Let’s decode it below.
1. Brine
Bringing chicken is essential to making it juicy. The process is very simple and you don’t need more than 20 minutes. Fill a bowl with lukewarm warm water and stir in some salt till it completely dissolves. Put your chicken breasts into this bowl and let them sit there for around 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, take out your chicken from the water. Remove the salt on them by rinsing them thoroughly under the cold water. Now, dry them by patting the water off with a paper towel.
2. Brush
Take your source of fat and brush it all over your chicken breasts. Doing so will give a brownish-golden crust on the outside. Ensure to brush the chicken with butter or olive oil on both sides. After that, place the chicken breasts on the roasting dish.
3. Rub
The next part is rubbing the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also use the other seasonings mentioned in the ingredient list above. Remember, a chicken will take on the flavor of the seasonings that you rub it with. So, use the ones that you like in this step. A simple mixture includes a combination of all the seasonings mentioned above.
4. Roast
Now is the time to bake your chicken. As mentioned above the ideal baking time is anywhere for 10 to 15 minutes at 400F or 450F. Roasting your chicken in high heat is also important not only from the taste point of view. It also ensures that all the contaminants present in it are effectively killed.
5. Rest
Rest your meat on a clean surface for a few minutes before cutting them. This will lock in the moisture and retain their juiciness. If you want your freshly baked chicken to be tender, you must give them five to ten minutes. After this time, you can go ahead and cut them.
Read Also: Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs With Gnocchi
Tips to Cook the Perfect Thin Chicken Breasts in the Oven
Now you know the process of baking chicken breasts. To further enhance the baking process, use these tips.
- If you’ve purchased frozen chicken breasts, do not start working with them immediately. Put them at room temperature for about 15 minutes so it’s easier for them to heat up in the oven.
- Preheat your oven before placing the chicken breasts inside. This will ensure that the meat is evenly heated.
- Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken to determine the temperature.
- To avoid overcooking the chicken, set a 15-minute timer. This is crucial because once the chicken overcooks, you cannot reverse the damage.
The Best Sides to Serve With Baked Thin Chicken Breasts
When it comes to chicken breasts, pretty much anything can work alongside. If you’re still confused, use this list of some of the yummiest sides that will complement your oven-baked chicken breasts.
- Veggie salad: Put together a salad with the veggies of your choice. You can make it grainless or toss in some leftover grains.
- Cheesy baked asparagus: Cheesy asparagus, when topped with breadcrumbs, makes up for a mouth-watering side dish with your chicken breasts.
- Roasted broccoli: Roasted broccoli is extremely delicious. Its flavor is enhanced with garlic and olive oil. You’ll find yourself reaching out for this side dish again and again!
- Sautéed zucchini: Sauteed zucchini, made using salt, pepper, chopped garlic, and olive oil, won’t disappoint even the pickiest of eaters.
- Chessy cauliflower: Chessy, mashed cauliflowers look and taste like mashed potatoes. The delicious side dish can be quickly made while you’re baking chicken breasts.
Final Words
Making baked thin chicken breasts is pretty straightforward once you know the right technique. Follow the instructions provided in the post carefully. Complement your chicken breasts with a side dish of your choice, and you are sure to win the hearts of every person whom you serve them!
