How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400: A Complete Guide

How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400? If you’re a chicken lover, then you know that cooking chicken breast can be tricky. It’s easy to undercook or overcook the chicken, resulting in a bland, dry, or rubbery texture. One of the best ways to cook chicken breast is by baking it in the oven. However, the question is, how long to bake chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit? In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete guide on how to bake chicken breast at 400, ensuring that your chicken is juicy, tender, and delicious.

What You Need to Bake Chicken Breast at 400

Before we dive into the details of baking chicken breast, let’s take a look at the ingredients and tools you’ll need for this recipe:

Ingredients

• Chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Tools

• Baking dish
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Make sure you have all these ingredients and tools ready before you start baking the chicken breast.

Prepping the Chicken Breast: How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400?

Before you start seasoning the chicken breast, you need to prep it. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the chicken breast under cold running water and pat it dry with paper towels.
3. Trim any excess fat or skin from the chicken breast.
4. Pound the chicken breast with a meat mallet to ensure even thickness.

Seasoning the Chicken Breast

Once the chicken breast is prepped, it’s time to season it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Drizzle some olive oil or vegetable oil over the chicken breast and rub it all over the surface.
2. Sprinkle some salt and black pepper over the chicken breast, making sure to season both sides.
3. You can also add any other seasonings or herbs of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme.

How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400

Now it’s time to bake the chicken breast. Here’s how long to bake it for:

• If the chicken breast is 4-5 ounces: bake for 20-25 minutes.
• If the chicken breast is 8-9 ounces: bake for 25-30 minutes.
• If the chicken breast is 10-12 ounces: bake for 30-35 minutes.

Note: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast. That’s why it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

Checking the Chicken Breast for Doneness

To ensure that the chicken breast is cooked through, you need to check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Here’s How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400:

1. Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch the bone.
2. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for the chicken breast to be fully cooked.
3. If the chicken breast hasn’t reached the desired temperature, put it back in the oven for a few more minutes and check the temperature again.

Resting the Chicken Breast

After the chicken breast is cooked, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast. Here’s how to rest the chicken breast:

1. Take the chicken breast out of the oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
2. Cover the chicken breast with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Once the chicken breast has rested, it’s ready to be served. Here are some serving suggestions: How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400

• Slice the chicken breast and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
• Shred the chicken breast and use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
• Cut the chicken breast into cubes and use it in stir-fries, soups, or casseroles.

Tips for Baking Chicken Breast at 400

Here are some tips to keep in mind when baking chicken breast at 400: How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken breast is fully cooked.
• Pound the chicken breast to ensure even thickness, which helps to cook it evenly.
• Let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
• If the chicken breast is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil.
• If the chicken breast is not browning enough, broil it for a few minutes after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chicken Breast

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when baking chicken breast: How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400

• Overcooking the chicken breast, which results in a dry and rubbery texture.
• Undercooking the chicken breast, which can cause foodborne illness.
• Not seasoning the chicken breast enough, which results in bland flavor.
• Crowding the baking dish, which can cause uneven cooking.
• Cutting into the chicken breast right after baking, which causes the juices to escape.

How to Store Leftover Baked Chicken Breast

If you have leftover baked chicken breast, you can store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Here’s How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400:

• Refrigerator: Store the chicken breast in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the chicken breast in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Baked Chicken Breast

To reheat baked chicken breast, you can use the microwave, oven, or stovetop. Here’s How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400:

• Microwave: Place the chicken breast on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, place the chicken breast in a baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the chicken breast, and cook for a few minutes on each side until heated through.

Conclusion

Baking chicken breast at 400 is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this protein-packed meat. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your chicken breast is cooked to perfection, with a juicy and tender texture. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, let the chicken breast rest before cutting into it, and season it to your liking. With these tips and tricks, you can become a master at How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400.

FAQs

1. How do I know when the chicken breast is fully cooked?

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. It should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered fully cooked.

2. How long does it take to bake chicken breast at 400?

• It typically takes 20-25 minutes to bake a 4-6 oz chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Can I use bone-in chicken breast for this recipe?

• Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breast. However, the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the chicken breast.

4. Can I marinate the chicken breast before baking it?

• Yes, you can marinate the chicken breast before baking it for added flavor. Just make sure to pat it dry before placing it in the oven to prevent excess moisture.

5. Can I use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil?

• Yes, you can use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil to line the baking dish. Just make sure to lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken breast from sticking.