How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 425 (Easy Recipe)- make the perfect juicy chicken breast every single time! The best way is to use a higher temperature and a tasty marinade. Never worry about bland, dry chicken ever again. This is an easy recipe for every occasion!
Serve with Cheesy Butter Rice and a Simple Salad or Green Beans.
Why Baking Chicken Breast at 425 is Best
Baking chicken breast at 425 degrees Fahrenheit makes the perfect chicken breasts that are juicy and tender. It is the best temperature to bake chicken breast with the best results! The marinade also packs in tons of herby flavor without bringing too much.
This is a great way to bake your chicken with faster cooking time, perfect browning and caramelization, juicier results, nutrient retention, and versatility!
Higher temperatures ensure quicker cooking while promoting a flavorful crust and crispy texture. It helps seal in natural juices for moist and tender meat. Additionally, the shorter cooking time preserves more nutrients. The perfect chicken breasts!
You will also love Prosciutto Wrapped Chicken, Baked Chicken Thighs, and Whole Chicken Roast.
Jump to:
- Why Baking Chicken Breast at 425 is Best
- Simple Ingredients
- How to Bake Chicken Breast at 425 in the Oven Step-by-Step Photos
- Baking Chicken Breast at 425 According to Thickness
- Variations
- Best Equipment for Baking Chicken Thighs in the Oven
- How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Breasts
- Common Mistakes to Avoid when Baking Chicken Breast
- Tips for Baking Juicy Chicken Breasts
- FAQ's
- More Recipes
- What to Serve with Baked Chicken Breasts
- Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Simple Ingredients
These juicy chicken breasts have an Italian-style marinade. I list other options at the bottom of the post for more flavor options you can try for the best chicken breast recipe.
- Boneless, boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Dried thyme
- Dried rosemary
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Bake Chicken Breast at 425 in the Oven Step-by-Step Photos
This chicken recipe results in succulent chicken breasts every time. It's ideal for a delicious meal on busy weeknights.
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Grease a shallow baking dish with butter, or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with butter- set aside.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). For marinade variations, see the blog post.
Place chicken in a large bowl and rub the olive oil and spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly.
You can also place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag and massage the outside of the bag to coat the chicken. Let marinade for 30 minutes.
Remove chicken from plastic bags and place in a single layer on the prepared baking dish or baking sheet.
Bake chicken breasts for 23-30 minutes for large breasts and 17-20 minutes for medium breasts until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
You can check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. See notes for more.
Remove the pan from the oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve with any sides you choose or use to make a chicken salad or chicken wrap. Don't forget all the yummy pan juices.
Baking Chicken Breast at 425 According to Thickness
Chicken Breast Thickness Baking Time at 425°F
- ½ inch: 16-18 minutes
- 1 inch: 18-22 minutes
- 1 ½ inch: 22-26 minutes
- 2 inches: 25-30 minutes
Variations
Here are a few variations with different marinade options for Italian-style baked chicken breasts.
- Lemon and Herb Marinade:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, pour the marinade over them, and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours). Then, follow the baking instructions from the previous recipe.
- Balsamic and Honey Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk together the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, minced garlic, dried basil, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. Marinate the chicken breasts in the mixture for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) in the refrigerator. Bake the chicken breasts according to the instructions provided earlier.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked chicken breasts.
Best Equipment for Baking Chicken Thighs in the Oven
Here is the equipment you need to cook chicken thighs in the oven.
- Instant Read Thermometer- Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pork chops to ensure they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Large oven Safe Skillet
- Baking Sheet
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How to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Breasts
- Storing Baked Chicken Breasts:
- Allow the baked chicken breasts to cool completely before storing.
- Please place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the chicken breasts within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness.
- Baked chicken breasts can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating Baked Chicken Breasts:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) or use the microwave for a quicker reheating option.
- If using the oven, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Reheat the chicken breasts in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- If using the microwave, place the chicken breasts on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Reheat on medium power (50% power) for 2-3 minutes, then check the internal temperature and continue reheating in 1-minute increments until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- After reheating, allow the chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Note: Reheating times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It's important to check the internal temperature to ensure they are heated through. Overheating may result in dry chicken, so be cautious not to overcook.
How to Use Leftover Chicken
If you prefer cold or room-temperature chicken, you can slice or shred the baked chicken breasts and use them in salads, sandwiches, or wraps without reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Baking Chicken Breast
- Overcooking: One of the most common mistakes is overcooking chicken breasts, which can result in dry and tough meat. Monitoring the cooking time and using a meat thermometer to check for doneness is essential. Remove the chicken from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Not preheating the oven: Preheating the oven is crucial for even cooking. Ensure the oven reaches the desired temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius) before placing the chicken breasts inside. This helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
- Crowding the baking sheet: Leaving enough space between the chicken breasts on the baking sheet ensures proper air circulation and prevents steaming. Crowding the chicken can result in uneven cooking and a less crispy texture. Use a large enough baking sheet, or consider using multiple sheets if necessary.
- Not using a thermometer: Relying solely on cooking time can be unreliable as chicken breast sizes vary. A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine if the chicken is properly cooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast without touching the bone, and ensure it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Tips for Baking Juicy Chicken Breasts
- Use a meat thermometer: Invest in a reliable thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. It will help you determine the exact internal temperature of the chicken breasts and prevent overcooking.
- Pound the chicken breasts: If the size of the chicken breasts is uneven, pound them to an even thickness. This promotes even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
- Use a marinade or dry rub: Adding flavor through marinades or dry rubs can elevate the taste of the chicken breasts. Marinate them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before baking, or apply a dry rub and let them rest for a while to absorb the flavors.
- Properly season the chicken: Before baking, don't forget to season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices. Seasoning helps enhance the overall taste and brings out the flavors of the chicken.
- Rest the chicken before slicing: After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
- Consider using a meat mallet or rolling pin: If you want a quicker cooking time, you can flatten the chicken breasts slightly using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of drying out.
- Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the chicken breasts while they are baking, especially during the final few minutes. Overcooking can quickly lead to dry chicken, so it's important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
FAQ's
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Generally, baking chicken breasts at 425 degrees Fahrenheit takes about 20 to 25 minutes. However, using a meat thermometer is important to check for doneness. For fully cooked chicken, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
Covering the chicken breasts while baking at 425 degrees Fahrenheit is unnecessary. Leaving them uncovered allows the heat to circulate evenly, creating a crispy and golden exterior. However, if the chicken is browning too quickly on top, you can loosely cover it with foil to prevent excessive browning.
The best way to determine if the chicken breasts are cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast without touching the bone. For properly cooked chicken, the internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken breast and ensure the juices run clear with no pinkness.
It is generally recommended to thaw the chicken breasts before baking for even and thorough cooking. However, you can increase the cooking time if you need to bake frozen chicken breasts. Thawed chicken breasts may take approximately 50% longer than the recommended cooking time.
Baking chicken breasts at a higher temperature helps promote quicker cooking and can result in a nicely browned and crisp exterior. The higher heat can also help seal in juices and create a slightly more intense flavor.
To properly slice chicken breasts, let them rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Use a sharp knife and cut against the grain to make the meat tender and easier to chew. Aim for uniform slices of even thickness. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator once cooled for future use.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
What to Serve with Baked Chicken Breasts
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Baked Chicken Breast Recipe:
Make sure to leave a ⭐️star rating on the recipe card and comment below if you make the recipe. I love to connect with you through my recipes.
I would love for you to tag me on Instagram @cucinabyelena so I can see your delicious Italian recipes. To get more ideas, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Best Oven Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Make the perfect juicy chicken breast every single time! The best way is to use a higher temperature and a tasty marinade. This an easy recipe for every occasion!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 6 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Grease a shallow baking dish with butter, or line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with butter- set aside.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and red pepper flakes (if using). For marinade variations, see the blog post.
- Place chicken in a large bowl and rub the olive oil and spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, coating them evenly. You can also place the chicken breasts in a plastic bag and massage the outside of the bag to coat the chicken. Let marinade for 30 minutes.
- Remove chicken from plastic bags and place in a single layer on the prepared baking dish or baking sheet. Bake chicken breasts for 23-30 minutes for large breasts and 17-20 minutes for medium breasts until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast. See notes for more.
- Remove the pan from the oven and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice and serve with any sides you choose or use to make a chicken salad or chicken wrap.
Notes
Chicken Breast Thickness Baking Time at 425°F
-
- ½ inch: 16-18 minutes
-
- 1 inch: 18-22 minutes
-
- 1 ½ inch: 22-26 minutes
-
- 2 inches: 25-30 minutes
TOP TIPS
Use a meat thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. It will help you determine the exact internal temperature of the chicken breasts and prevent overcooking.
Pound the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, pound them to an even thickness. This promotes even cooking and prevents some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked.
Use a marinade or dry rub: Adding flavor through marinades or dry rubs can elevate the taste of the chicken breasts. Marinate them for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) before baking, or apply a dry rub and let them rest for a while to absorb the flavors.
Properly season the chicken: Don't forget to season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, or any other desired herbs and spices, before baking. Seasoning helps enhance the overall taste and brings out the flavors of the chicken.
Rest the chicken before slicing: After baking, let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier and more tender meat.
Consider using a meat mallet or rolling pin: If you want a quicker cooking time, you can flatten the chicken breasts slightly using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces the risk of drying out.
Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the chicken breasts while they are baking, especially during the final few minutes. Overcooking can quickly lead to dry chicken, so it's important to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Prep Time: 5 min + marinade time
- Cook Time: 20-20 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Italian
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: baked chicken, chicken breasts, marinated chicken, how to cook chicken, chicken dinner
Jodi Torske says
Absolutely delicious. Tender, juicy and full of flavor.
★★★★★
Elena says
happy you loved it!
Kari says
Just made this chicken recipe and it was so good!!! Way better than how I'd been making chicken in the past, even on my grill. Love your recipes!
★★★★★
Elena says
Yay! Happy it turned out wonderful for you. It is easy and fool proof. Now you can try the different flavor variations- or stick to the traditional Italian version.
Morettin George says
Oh so good. I added a bit of lemon to it.
Other than that followed Elena’s recipe exactly as shown.
★★★★★
Elena says
Happy you loved it! The lemon is a great addition. We make this on rotation.