How long to cook chicken breast in oven at 350 °F (175°C)? It generally takes approximately 30 minutes using the oven. However, baking time may vary depending on factors, including types of ovens, utilization of aluminum foil and the chicken itself. Is it fresh or frozen? Is it a whole chicken breast or thinner slices? Learn how to cook it in oven at 350 following the instruction below.
The role of aluminum foil
If you wrap chicken breast in aluminum foil, the foil acts as a conductor of heat, promoting more even cooking. Additionally, it helps retain moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out. Therefore, by using foil, you can keep the chicken moist and tender.
However, pay attention to the method of wrapping the foil around the chicken breast. There are two features of aluminum foil: heat reflection and heat insulation. The foil can act as a barrier that reflects heat and a layer of insulation that helps retain heat on the foil. When you wrap a baking dish or pan with aluminum foil (left image), this can help distribute heat more evenly and increase the overall temperature inside the dish, prevent heat from escaping and promote faster cooking. However, if you cover your chicken breast in foil (right image), aluminum foil only helps the chicken cooked evenly with higher moisture, but cooking time will even take longer due to the fact that the heat is reflected to the oven rather than concentrated on the chicken breast inside.
How to know if the chicken breast is cooked?
To ensure that your chicken breast is cooked thoroughly and safe to eat, there are a few methods you can use:
- Check the internal temperature: The most reliable way to determine if your chicken breast is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, without touching the bone. The chicken is considered cooked and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Observe the color and texture: When fully cooked, the chicken breast should have a white, opaque appearance. If there are any traces of pinkness or rawness, it needs more cooking time. Additionally, the texture should be firm but still juicy. Overcooked chicken breast will be dry and tough.
- Pierce and check the juices: If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can pierce the thickest part of the chicken breast with a fork or a knife. The juices that come out should be clear, not pink or bloody. If the juices run clear, it indicates that the chicken is cooked.
Remember to let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes after removing it from the heat source. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a more flavorful and tender result.
Fresh chicken: how to cook chicken breast in oven at 350 (175°C)?
Full Fresh Chicken Breast
Full fresh chicken breast without foil:
- In oven: 35 minutes
Typically, it requires 35 minutes to bake chicken fillet which weights around 4-7 ounces. Larger amounts need a bit more time, around 5-10 minutes more.
- In air fryer: 20 minutes
With the same amount, air fryer can bake chicken breast in less time, around 20 minutes. It’s thanks to the operational mechanism of an air fryer which combines convection and rapid air circulation.
Full fresh chicken breast with foil covering the baking tray/dish:
When baking a full chicken breast in the oven at 350°F with baking tray/dish covered by aluminum foil, the cooking time is typically reduced. Check the minutes required below.
- In oven: 25 minutes
- In air fryer: 15 minutes
Slices of Fresh Chicken Breast
It’s important to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken breast slices to avoid undercooking or overcooking. Thinner slices may require less time in the oven, while thicker slices will need a longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
The timing for baking chicken breast slices is showed below, with or without foil.
Slices of fresh chicken breast without foil:
+ In oven: 25 minutes
+ In air fryer: 15 minutes
Slices of fresh chicken breast with foil covering the baking tray/dish:
+ In oven: 20 minutes
+ In air fryer: 10 minutes
Frozen chicken: How to cook chicken breast in oven at 350?
When baking frozen chicken breast, it is important to allow for additional cooking time compared to thawed chicken breast. The low temperature of frozen chicken makes it solidify, become harder for the heat to penetrate and cook the meat. As a result, the cooking process takes longer than it would with thawed chicken.
Here is a timing guideline for baking frozen chicken breast:
Full Frozen Chicken Breast
Full frozen chicken breast without foil:
+ In oven: 50 minutes
+ In air fryer: 30 minutes
Full frozen chicken breast with foil covering the baking tray/dish:
+ In oven: 40 minutes
+ In air fryer: 25 minutes
Slices of Frozen Chicken Breast
Slices of frozen chicken breast without foil:
+ In oven: 35-40 minutes
+ In air fryer:25 minutes
Slices of frozen chicken breast with foil covering the baking tray/dish:
+ In oven: 35 minutes
+ In air fryer: 20-22 minutes
How to get juicy chicken breast?
To keep chicken breast moist when baking, there are several techniques you can employ:
Marinate the chicken: Prior to baking, marinating the chicken breast for a few hours will help it retain moisture. Place the chicken in a large Ziploc bag or container and let it marinate in your preferred marinade for 2 to 3 hours.
Utilize foil: Wrapping the chicken breast in foil during baking helps trap the natural juices, preventing them from evaporating and keeping the chicken moist. The foil acts as a barrier, allowing the chicken to cook in its own moisture. Ensure the foil is tightly sealed around the chicken to retain the juices.
Optimal baking temperature: Set your oven to 350°F when baking chicken breast. This temperature allows for better control over the cooking process and helps retain the chicken’s moisture. It ensures that the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
By incorporating these methods, you can enhance the moisture and tenderness of the chicken breast during the baking process. A combination of perfect baked chicken breast and baked vegetables such as asparagus, potato, sweet potato… will make you a wonderful meal!
How long to cook chicken breast in oven at 350?
Baking time may vary depending on factors, including types of ovens, utilization of aluminum foil and the features of your chicken breast
Materials
- 4-7 ounces chicken breast
- Seasoning or marinated spices
Tools
- Oven or air fryer
Instructions
- After seasoning/ marinating, follow this timing guideline for baking chicken breast in oven at 350F:
Fresh Bone-in or Boneless skinless chicken breast:
Full breast without foil:
- In oven: 35 minutes
- In air fryer: 20 minutes
Full breast with foil:
- An easy method is to lay an aluminum foil over a plate, then put the chicken breast on and season it (left image - setting 1) - it helps to cook faster. Wrapping breast with aluminum foil (right image - setting 2) helps the breast moist and tender but cooking time will be longer. The cooking time below applies for setting 1.
- In oven: 25 minutes
- In air fryer: 15 minutes
Slices without foil:
- In oven: 25 minutes
- In air fryer: 15 minutes
Slices with foil:
- In oven: 20 minutes
- In air fryer: 10 minutes
Frozen Bone-in or boneless skinless chicken breastFull breast
Full Breast without foil:
- In oven: 50 minutes
- In air fryer: 30 minutes
Full Breast with foil:
- In oven: 40 minutes
- In air fryer: 25 minutes
Slices without foil:
- In oven: 35-40 minutes
- In air fryer:25 minutes
Slices with foil:
- In oven: 35 minutes
- In air fryer: 20-22 minutes