How long to bake chicken breast at 400°F
Quick answer: bake boneless, skinless chicken breasts at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 30 minutes, depending on thickness, until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Baking times at 400°F
| Thickness | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| 3/4 inch (2 cm) | 18 to 22 minutes |
| 1 inch (2.5 cm) | 22 to 26 minutes |
| 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) or more | 26 to 30 minutes |
| Bone-in, skin-on breast | 30 to 45 minutes |
Times are guides. A thermometer is the only reliable check, because breasts vary in size, and ovens vary in accuracy.
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 to 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Method
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Fan ovens may need about 20°C less.
- Place the chicken between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and pound the thick end lightly, so the breast is an even thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. This is the single most useful step for even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry. Rub with the oil and season on both sides.
- Place on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish, leaving space between pieces.
- Bake for the time in the chart. Check the temperature in the thickest part.
- Take the chicken out at 165°F. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice.
Tips for juicy chicken
- Even thickness stops the thin end from drying out while the thick end catches up.
- Brine for 30 minutes in a mix of 4 cups water and 2 tablespoons salt, then pat dry, for extra moisture.
- Do not overcook. Take the chicken out as soon as the thickest part reads 165°F. It keeps cooking slightly as it rests, and every extra minute dries it out.
- Rest before slicing so the juices stay in the meat.
Why 165°F?
That is the minimum safe internal temperature for poultry, according to USDA guidance. See the safe internal cooking temperatures chart for other foods, and our oven temperature conversion chart for Celsius and gas mark.
Nutrition
Cooked skinless chicken breast has about 165 calories and 31 g of protein per 100 g. A raw breast has less per gram because it contains more water, as explained in chicken breast: raw vs cooked calories and protein.
Storing leftovers
Cool and refrigerate within 2 hours. Eat within 3 to 4 days and reheat to 165°F. More in how long food can sit out and fridge storage times.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you bake chicken breast at 350°F? Roughly 25 to 35 minutes. Use a thermometer.
Should I cover chicken with foil? Covering holds in moisture but softens the surface. It is optional.
Can I bake chicken from frozen? It is safer to thaw it first. If you cook it from frozen, it needs about 50 percent longer, and you should check it with a thermometer.