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.

Try our version of Bake Chicken at 400! Serve this recipe with Baked Rotini Pasta.

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.

Baking Chicken Breast at 425 According to Thickness

Chicken Breast Thickness Baking Time at 425°F

• 1/2 inch: 16-18 minutes
• 1 inch: 18-22 minutes
• 1 1/2 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.

1. 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
• 1/2 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.

2. 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, pot pies, 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).

FAQ’s

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What to Serve with Baked Chicken Breasts

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Baked Chicken Breast Recipe:

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