Baked Chicken Breast at 400 degrees (quick and easy)

Baked chicken breast at 400 degrees is so delicious, especially when baked at the correct temperature for the right amount of time. How long does it take to bake chicken breast at 400 degrees? That is a good question. Well, have no worries because I have done the research for you, my friend. Southern baked chicken breast is one of my all-time favorite meals, especially when you add my fried cauliflower to this meal. If you follow my instructions, you will come out with the perfect southern-style baked chicken breast. I can promise you that! Oh, and did I mention that is also keto-baked chicken breast? Well, enough of my yapping. Let’s get to it.

Jump to:

• Why should you make this
• Ingredients
• How to long to cook chicken breast at 400 degrees?
• Variations For Baked Chicken Breast at 400 degrees
• Substitutions For Baked Chicken Breast at 400 degrees
• Equipment
• More Equipment
• Storage Southern Baked Chicken
• Tips
• Common Questions For Baked Chicken Breast at 400
• How long to bake chicken breast at 400 in an air fryer?
• How to make juicy oven-baked chicken breast?
• How long to bake chicken breast bone in at 400
• How long to cook thin-cut chicken breast on the stove?
• In Conclusion For Baked Chicken Breast at 400
• Baked Chicken Breast at 400 degrees
• ???? Comments

Why should you make this

For starters, this must be one of the easiest oven-baked chicken recipes there is. This was inspired by my stuffed chicken and pairs well with my southern collard greens. I love calling this one my southern baked chicken goodness. I can give you so many reasons why you should make this baked chicken recipe. It’s quick, easy, and only has a few ingredients. Not to mention how healthy and full of protein this meal is. Another good reason to make this recipe is that it also goes well with chicken breast on-the-bone recipes.

Ingredients

Sea Salt- Gives the chicken a ton of flavor and balances out the other seasonings in this recipe.

Paprika-Gives this chicken recipe a lot more color and a hint of spice. Although, paprika really doesn’t have a taste.

Extra Seasonings- Black Pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. All of these seasonings combined add a hint of flavor and spice to your meal.

Butter- The butter is melted down and used to spread the seasonings on the chicken and allow for the ultimate juicy chicken breast!

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients.

How to long to cook chicken breast at 400 degrees?

1. Wash and clean your chicken breast. Lather on your softened butter and add seasonings

2. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes. This will also depend on the size of the chicken. Allow to rest for 5 minutes and enjoy.

Substitutions For Baked Chicken Breast at 400 degrees

Here is a list of substitutions you can use for baked chicken breast at 400 degrees internal temperature:

• Instead of boneless skinless chicken breast, you can use bone-in chicken breast or chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness.

• If you're looking for a different chicken breast recipe, you can try marinating the chicken in your favorite sauce or seasoning blend before baking.

• To achieve the perfect chicken breast, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

• If you prefer crispy skin, you can try searing the chicken breast in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven.

• Make sure to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for high-heat cooking.

• When checking for doneness, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast to get an accurate reading.

• Place the chicken breast on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

• Baked chicken breast is a great lean protein option for a delicious and nutritious meal.

• If you don't have chicken breast available, you can substitute it with thick chicken breast slices or chicken tenderloins.

southern baked chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. To ensure that your baked chicken breast turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful, there are a few essential equipment items that you'll need. Let's dive in and explore the equipment needed for baking chicken breast!

Equipment

1. Baking dish: A good-quality baking dish is a must-have for baking chicken breast. Opt for an appropriately sized baking dish to accommodate the number of chicken breasts you plan to cook. Glass or ceramic baking dishes are excellent choices as they distribute heat evenly and help retain moisture.
2. Oven: A reliable oven is crucial for baking chicken breast to perfection. Make sure your oven is clean and in good working condition before starting. Set your oven temperature according to the recipe instructions to ensure even cooking.
3. Meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is invaluable for cooking chicken breast. It helps you accurately gauge the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches the safe minimum temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees that your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while still remaining juicy.
4. Aluminum foil: Aluminum foil can cover the chicken breast while baking. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. It also aids in even cooking and reduces the chances of the chicken getting overly browned on top.
5. Cooking oil or butter: A small amount of cooking oil or melted butter is often used to coat the chicken breast before baking. This adds flavor and helps to keep the meat moist during cooking. Choose a neutral-flavored oil like vegetable or canola oil, or use your preferred type of butter.

More Equipment

1. Seasonings and marinades: To add flavor to your baked chicken breast, you'll need a variety of seasonings and marinades. This can include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried herbs like thyme or rosemary, and other spices or herbs of your choice. You can also mix the chicken breast with your favorite marinade ingredients to infuse it with flavor before baking.
2. Basting brush or spoon: A basting brush or spoon is handy for brushing the chicken breast with oil, butter, or any marinade during baking. This helps to keep the chicken moist and enhances the flavor.
3. Cutting board and knife: A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife are essential for chicken breast preparation. You'll need them to trim any excess fat or skin, as well as to slice or portion the southern baked chicken if desired.
4. Tongs or spatula: Tongs or a spatula are useful for handling the chicken breast when flipping it or transferring it to and from the baking dish. They help prevent any tearing or damage to the meat.
5. Optional: Rack or wire cooling rack: Placing a rack or wire cooling rack inside the baking dish can elevate the chicken breast slightly, allowing air to circulate around it. This promotes even cooking and helps the chicken to brown more evenly.

Remember, always follow the recipe instructions and any additional equipment suggestions provided. With these essential equipment items and a little creativity, you'll be well-equipped to prepare delicious and tender baked chicken breast in no time! Enjoy your culinary adventure!

Storage Southern Baked Chicken

Chicken breast baked at 400 degrees can be stored in an airtight container. Zip-lock bags and airtight storage food trays are pretty much all you need. This will allow your chicken breast to stay fresh for 4 to 5 days. After that, I would say get rid of it because it will become tough.

Tips

Baking chicken breast at 400 degrees can indeed result in a delicious meal, and there are a few tips and tricks to ensure that your chicken turns out perfectly cooked and flavorful. Let's explore these tips in detail, covering the thickest part of the chicken breast, size considerations, easy dinner ideas, chicken marinades, and spice rubs.

1. Thickest part of the chicken breast: The thickest part of the chicken breast takes the longest to cook through. It's crucial to ensure that this part reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that the entire chicken breast is fully cooked. To check the temperature accurately, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure it doesn't touch the bone if there is one.

2. Size of your chicken breast: The size of your chicken breast affects the cooking time. Larger chicken breasts will take longer to cook through, while smaller ones will cook faster. If you have different-sized chicken breasts, consider adjusting the cooking time accordingly. It's always a good idea to follow a recipe's recommended cooking time as a starting point and then adjust based on the size of your chicken breasts.

3. Easy dinner: Baked chicken breast is an excellent choice for an easy dinner. You can prepare the chicken breasts in advance by marinating or seasoning them and then pop them in the oven when you're ready to cook. The baking process requires minimal attention, allowing you to focus on preparing side dishes or enjoying some downtime.

4. Chicken marinade: Marinating chicken breasts before baking adds incredible flavor and helps to tenderize the meat. You can create a variety of marinades based on your taste preferences. Some popular marinade ingredients include olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, herbs, and spices. Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, even a brief 10 to 15-minute marination can still enhance the taste if you're short on time.

Common Questions For Baked Chicken Breast at 400

How long to bake chicken breast at 400 in an air fryer?

Baking chicken in the air fryer can quickly become dry chicken breast. You don’t want to do that, so my biggest suggestion to you would be to make sure you are not overcooking your chicken breast. Cooking your baked chicken at 400 degrees should only bake for about 20 to 25 minutes. Anything over that may cause dry chicken.

How to make juicy oven-baked chicken breast?

Making juicy chicken breast doesn’t have to be hard. You just need your oven or air fryer set at the right temperature and the perfect cooking time. Lastly, you need the star of the show, which is butter. You will come out with the perfect juiciest chicken every single time. The chicken will absorb all that butter, and you’re seasoning. Pop it in the oven and watch the magic happen.

How long to bake chicken breast bone in at 400

Baking chicken breast depends on the size of the chicken breast, but on average, the largest piece of the chicken breast takes about 22-25 minutes to cook. One way of knowing for sure is by using a meat thermometer. The safe chicken temperature is 165 degrees.

How long to cook thin-cut chicken breast on the stove?

Cooking pan-seared chicken breast on the stove is as easy as 123. You will only need to add a pan to the stove and turn it on medium-low. Once you have done so, add in your butter or oil. Your choice. I use butter for my chicken breast. Once the grease or butter begins to sizzle, add in your chicken breast and allow to sear for about 4 to 5 minutes. Turn on the opposite side and do the same.  If you want your chicken to be a little crispy, cook for a little while, but be mindful that it may dry out your chicken breast. That’s it.

In Conclusion For Baked Chicken Breast at 400

To summarize, southern baked chicken breast can be a straightforward and tasty meal preparation. Always check the thickest part of the chicken breast for the suggested internal temperature to ensure safe cooking. You can adjust the cooking time based on the size of your chicken breasts to get even results. Baked chicken breast is also a great option for easy dinners since you can prepare it in advance with marinades or spice rubs.

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes can improve the flavor, but even a quick marination time can make a difference. Spice rubs with various dry spices and herbs can flavor your baked chicken breast. Before applying marinades or spice rubs, patting the chicken breasts dry is essential to ensure proper adherence. Preheating your oven to the recommended temperature is critical for even cooking and moisture retention. Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different marinades, spice rubs, and cooking techniques to discover your favorite flavors and create various delicious meals. Enjoy the process and savor the delightful taste of your perfectly baked chicken breast!

Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Ronalyn Alston | Published: October 15, 2022