How Long to Bake Thin Chicken Breast

If you’re looking for a quick and healthy weeknight meal, chicken breast is always a good option. But how long to bake thin chicken breast so that it’s not dry or overcooked? Check out the guide below to learn the right baking time for your needs.

What is Thin Chicken Breast?

Thin chicken breast is a boneless, skinless chicken breast that has been pounded thin. It’s a versatile cut of chicken that can be used in a variety of recipes, from chicken Parmesan to chicken tacos.

Why Pound Chicken Breast?

Pounding chicken breast helps to tenderize the meat and also ensures that it cooks evenly. When chicken breast is cooked whole, the thicker parts can often end up dry and overcooked while the thinner parts are still raw. Pounding the chicken breast evens out the thickness, so you don’t have to worry about dry spots.

How Long to Bake Thin Chicken Breast

Assuming you would like a complete answer to this question:

The general rule for cooking chicken is to cook it for 20 minutes per pound. So, if you have thin chicken breasts that weigh 6 ounces each, you would cook them for a total of 20 minutes.

However, it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it has reached a safe temperature and is cooked through. Chicken is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

So, using the above example, you would check the temperature of the chicken after 20 minutes of cooking time. If it has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then it is done and safe to eat. If it has not reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, then you would continue cooking it for a few more minutes and then check the temperature again. Repeat this process until the chicken has reached a safe internal cooking temperature.

How to Bake Thin Chicken Breast

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.

3. Season chicken breasts as desired. Some popular seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken breasts are cooked through. Use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption.

5. Enjoy your baked chicken! Try serving it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Types Of Thin Chicken Breast

There are two types of thin chicken breast: pounded and sliced. Pounded chicken breast is made by taking a boneless, skinless chicken breast and pounding it until it’s thin. Sliced chicken breast is made by slicing a boneless, skinless chicken breast thinly.

Pounded chicken breast will cook faster than sliced chicken breast since it’s thinner. Sliced chicken breast will have a more uniform cook time since all of the slices are the same thickness.

Baking Times For Thin Chicken Breast

The baking time for thin chicken breast will vary depending on the type of chicken breast, the thickness of the chicken breast, and the desired doneness.

Pounded chicken breast should be baked for 8-10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Sliced chicken breast should be baked for 12-14 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

For both types of thin chicken breast, the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before they are removed from the oven.

Tips For Baking Thin Chicken Breast

– Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.

– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts.

– Slice chicken breasts thinly for quicker, more uniform cooking.

– Bake chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Remove chicken breasts from the oven when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

What are some tips for baking thin Chicken breast?

– Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.

– Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts.

– Slice chicken breasts thinly for quicker, more uniform cooking.

– Bake chicken breasts at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Remove chicken breasts from the oven when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your chicken breasts come out perfectly cooked every time. Thin chicken breast is a versatile and quick-cooking option for weeknight meals. Use the guide above to ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked every time.

How To Know Thin Chicken Breast Is Done 

The best way to know if thin chicken breast is done is to use a cooking thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is removed from the oven.

Another way to tell if chicken is done is to look for visual cues. cooked chicken will be opaque and white in color. If the chicken is still pink in the center, it needs to be cooked for longer.

If you are unsure if the chicken is done, it’s better to err on the side of caution and cook it for a few minutes longer. Better overcooked than undercooked when it comes to chicken!

To ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time, use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit before the chicken is removed from the oven.

How To Choose Thin Chicken Breast

When choosing thin chicken breast, you can either purchase sliced chicken breast or pounded chicken breast. Pounded chicken breast is made by taking a boneless, skinless chicken breast and pounding it until it’s thin. Sliced chicken breast is made by slicing a boneless, skinless chicken breast thinly.

Pounded chicken breast will cook faster than sliced chicken breast since it’s thinner. Sliced chicken breast will have a more uniform cook time since all of the slices are the same thickness.

When deciding which type of thin chicken breast to purchase, consider how you’ll be cooking it and how much time you have. If you’re short on time, go for pounded chicken breast. If you want more uniform cooking, go for sliced chicken breast.

Thin chicken breast is a versatile and quick-cooking option for weeknight meals. Use the guide above to ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked every time.

How To Prepare Thin Chicken Breast

Whether you’re using sliced or pounded chicken breast, the preparation is the same. First, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, season the chicken breasts as desired.

Next, place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken so that it’s juicy and flavorful.

How to store Thin Chicken Breast

Leftover thin chicken breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chicken breasts can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure that the chicken is heated through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Thin chicken breast is a versatile and quick-cooking option for weeknight meals. Use the guide above to ensure that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked every time. Then, follow the tips for storing leftovers so that you can enjoy them later. With these tips, you’ll be able to cook delicious, juicy chicken breasts any night of the week!

How to reheat Thin Chicken Breast

The best way to reheat thin chicken breast is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken breast reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also reheat chicken breast in the microwave, although this will not result in as juicy or flavorful chicken. To reheat in the microwave, place the chicken breasts on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.

When reheating, make sure that the chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure that it’s cooked through. Once heated, slice or serve as desired. Enjoy!

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Bake Thin Chicken Breast

1. Not Preheating The Oven: This is one of the most important steps in baking chicken breast. Preheating the oven ensures that the chicken breast cooks evenly throughout.

2. overcooking the Chicken Breast: Chicken breast should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Any more than that and the chicken will be dry and tough.

3. Not Letting The Chicken Rest: Once the chicken breast is cooked through, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken so that it’s juicy and flavorful.

4. Not Storing Leftovers Properly: Leftover thin chicken breast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Chicken breasts can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure that the chicken is heated through to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are some ideas for Serving Thin Chicken Breast ?

There are many delicious sides that go well with thin chicken breast. Some of our favorites include:

-Roasted vegetables

-Simple salad

-Rice

-Pasta

-Mashed potatoes

-Steamed vegetables

-Green beans

-Corn

-Carrots

– soup

• Roasted vegetables are a great option for adding flavor and nutrients to your meal. Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, toss your favorite vegetables with olive oil and salt. Roast for 20-30 minutes, or until tender.
• A simple salad is a perfect light side dish that pairs well with chicken. For this salad, we recommend using mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite dressing.
• Rice or pasta are both excellent sides for chicken breast. Cook the rice or pasta according to package instructions. Then, top with the chicken and your favorite sauce.
• Mashed potatoes are always a hit! Simply boiled mashed potatoes with some butter, salt, and pepper.
• Steamed vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option. Place your favorite veggies in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
• Green beans, corn, and carrots are all classic sides that go well with chicken breast. These can be served steamed, roasted, or simply boiled.

• Soup is a great way to add another layer of flavor to your meal. We recommend serving chicken breast with a creamy vegetable soup or a hearty chili.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to serving thin chicken breast. Get creative and experiment with different sides until you find your perfect pairing! Enjoy!

Chicken Breast Recipes:

1. Oven-Baked Chicken Breast: This recipe is a simple and flavorful way to cook chicken breast. Simply season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

2. Slow Cooker Chicken Breast: This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights. Simply place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker with some chicken broth, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until cooked through.

3. Skillet Chicken Breast: This recipe is a quick and easy way to cook chicken breast. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Then, cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Grilled Chicken Breast: This recipe is perfect for summertime BBQs! Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite BBQ sauce. Then, grill over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.

5. Baked Chicken Breast: This recipe is a healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken breast. Simply season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs. Then, bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Instant Pot Chicken Breast: This recipe is a quick and easy way to cook chicken breast. Simply place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with some chicken broth, garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Then, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes.

FAQs:

How long should I cook chicken breast?

Cook chicken breast for 20-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

What is the best way to cook chicken breast?

There are many delicious ways to cook chicken breast. Some of our favorites include oven-baked, slow cooker, skillet, grilled, and baked.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

Bake chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for the best results.

Should you bake chicken covered or uncovered?

Bake chicken uncovered so that the skin can get crispy.

How do you keep chicken breast from drying out?

There are a few things you can do to prevent chicken breast from drying out. First, try not to overcook the chicken. Second, use a cooking method that will help to keep the chicken moist, such as baking or grilling. Finally, be sure to rest the chicken after cooking so that the juices can redistribute.

Can I freeze cooked chicken breast?

Yes! Chicken breast can be frozen cooked or raw. Simply place in a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

What should I serve with chicken breast?

There are many delicious sides that go well with chicken breast. Some of our favorites include rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, and soup.

Can I make chicken breast ahead of time?

Yes! Chicken breast can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to eat. Simply place in a covered container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.

How do I know when chicken breast is cooked?

Chicken breast is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

What do I do if my chicken breast is overcooked?

If your chicken breast is overcooked, it will be dry and tough. To avoid this, cook chicken breast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, baking chicken breast at a low temperature for a longer period of time is the best way to achieve a crispy and juicy texture. While this method may require more time investment, it is well worth the end result. Have you tried baking chicken breast in this manner? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

William Lariviere

William Lariviere is a chef and restaurateur with over 25 years of experience in the food industry. He is the owner and operator of Swartzsdeli.com, an online restaurant that specializes in gourmet sandwiches and salads, grill & smoke. He likes to share experience, food, recipes cooking knowledge as well as reviews about restaurant and kitchen products.

William’s goal is to provide his customers with healthy, delicious food that is also affordable and develop Swartzsdeli.com into a comprehensive information site specializing in cooking and cuisine to a new level to help reach a wide range of housewives and readers.

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