Most people do not get enough protein from their daily diets. Baked, thinly sliced chicken breast is a wonderful source of lean protein that can be made a part of any meal. You can use it in your sandwiches for breakfast, salads for lunch, or combine it with your pasta at dinner. However, it is crucial to know the length of time you should cook chicken breast in the oven. This is important for two reasons. First, it ensures that it is tender and moist, and second, it helps you avoid contamination. Let’s find out more about it below.
Read Also: How to Prepare Delicious Chicken Bones?
What Is the Time Period for Cooking Thin Chicken Breast?
Here’s the direct answer. Ideally, a 4-ounce chicken breast should be cooked (or roasted) at 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 177 degrees Celsius for about 25 to 30 minutes. We recommend you use a meat thermometer to check whether the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius. This is essential to killing possible viruses or any type of contamination in your poultry. If the temperature is lower than this, put your chicken into the oven so it achieves this temperature.
According to the USDA, if you are cooking 6 to 8 oz. bone-in chicken breast halves, a roasting period of 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will be ideal. For 4 oz. boneless breast halves, cooking for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended.
What Is the Proper Way to Slice Chicken Breast?
Did you know that the way you slice chicken breast impacts the overall taste? Fortunately, it is easy to master the technique of properly cutting them. Follow these steps.
- Locate the muscle fiber in the chicken breast.
- Take a sharp knife and begin at one end of the breast.
- Cut the chicken against the grain. It means to cut it perpendicular to the muscle fiber lines.
The last step will help you get more tender meat. This is because when you cut the chicken against the grain it breaks down the muscle fibers into smaller sections. This, in turn, makes it easier to chew. If you want to take your slicing game up a notch, cut chicken breast while it’s frozen. You will be able to get smaller and thinner slices.
How to Cook Thin Sliced Chicken Breast?
Cooking thinly sliced chicken breast isn’t complicated. However, it is easy to overlook them as they are quite delicate. So, the only way you can determine whether they are perfectly cooked is by looking at the meat’s color. If it is white, it means that the cooking is complete. If not, you should cook them a little longer.
- Preheat your oven to 360 degrees F.
- Slice the chicken into thin slices.
- Now, coat both sides with olive oil. Then, sprinkle salt and spices.
- Line the baking sheet with foil and put the chicken fillets on it.
- Bake the slices for 10 minutes.
- Flip each piece and bake both sides for 5 more minutes. At the end of it, the meat should turn white at 165 degrees F.
PRO TIP: If you want the chicken to achieve the desired thickness, pound it with a mallet till the breasts are about ¼ inch thick.
Nutritional Profile of Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast
Chicken breasts are a rich source of lean protein and get ready in just 20 minutes. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition in a four-ounce serving of sliced chicken breast.
- Energy – 120 Kcal
- Protein – 21 grams
- Fat – 4 grams
- Carbohydrates – 0 grams
How to Cook Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts With Breading?
You can also enjoy thinly sliced chicken breast with breading. Here are the recipe instructions to follow.
- Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour, one-half tsp of salt, and one-quarter tsp of black pepper in one bowl.
- Add an egg and one tbsp of water and combine them thoroughly in another bowl.
- Add one cup of seasoned panko breadcrumbs to another bowl.
- Now Slice your chicken breasts into thin strips and dip each slice in the flour.
- When the chicken is coated thoroughly, dip the slice in egg wash and then into breadcrumbs.
- Now, place the slices on the parchment paper. Ensure to leave some space between each slice.
- Cook the chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes. Ensure that both sides are thoroughly cooked. They should turn golden brown. Your chicken slices must attain a temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Read Also: Simple Crab Brulee Recipe
What To Serve With Chicken Breast?
Chicken breasts are extremely versatile. They can accompany almost any dish, making them richer in protein and overall nutrition. Here are some easy side options with chicken breasts.
- Throw them on a simple salad with whatever veggies you have. For example, you can pair them with pickled cucumber and chopped fresh chives.
- Chicken breasts are also a perfect accompaniment to a crunchy slaw. You can prepare the veggies beforehand for slaw or buy pre-shredded bags from the supermarket. A great example is a carrot slaw seasoned with tangy Dijon mustard dressing.
- Another great pairing for chicken breasts is stovetop sides. Examples include cauliflower rice, a pot of couscous, or herbed mushrooms. You can quickly prepare these sides while your chicken is in the oven. Yet another delicious pairing of the meat can be with a lemon-ginger spinach side.
- Finally, you can also eat the sliced breasts with oven-baked sides. While the chicken bakes, cook up some veggies of your choice. One of our favorites is brown butter radishes. Coated in brown butter and flavored with lemon juice and sea salt, these radishes are utterly delicious. They are the perfect accompaniment to tender sliced chicken breasts.
Final Thoughts
Thinly sliced chicken breasts are an easy and healthy accompaniment to various meals. Season them and eat them on their own, or pair them up with your favorite sides. The recipe is free of gluten, fat, and nuts but can be customized to suit dietary preferences. Hopefully, you will now be able to cook them confidently at home and enjoy a healthy yet delicious meal alone or with your loved ones.
