How Long Does It Take to Cook a Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast?
Cooking a perfect chicken breast can seem tricky, especially when working with thin slices or cutlets Undercook it and you risk food poisoning, overcook it and you end up with dry, tough meat So how long should you bake or pan-fry thinly sliced chicken to get it just right? Let’s break it down step-by-step.
What is a Thinly Sliced Chicken Breast?A thinly sliced chicken breast, also called a chicken cutlet, is a breast fillet that has been sliced horizontally to a thickness of around 1⁄4 inch This creates a flat, wide cut of meat that cooks quickly and evenly Thin slices are perfect for chicken dishes like cordon bleu, chicken parmesan, or chicken milanese. They can also be used in wraps, sandwiches and salads.
Preparing Thin Chicken Breast Slices
Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them and pat dry with paper towels. Using a sharp chef’s knife, slice the chicken breast horizontally starting at the thick end. Continue slicing and working your way towards the tapered thin end. Try to cut the slices as evenly as possible at around 1⁄4 inch thickness.
You can also use a meat mallet or tenderizer to gently pound the chicken to an even thinness. Just place the breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper first so you don’t splatter raw chicken juice. Go easy with the mallet, you don’t want to totally pulverize the meat
How to Cook Thin Sliced Chicken Breast in the Oven
The oven will give you the most evenly cooked results for thin chicken slices. Follow these steps:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Season chicken slices on both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices you like. You can also marinate the chicken for added flavor.
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Arrange chicken slices in a single layer on the baking sheet without overlapping. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is opaque and firm to the touch and the juices run clear. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute for juicy chicken.
So how long does it take to bake thin chicken breast slices? At 375°F, it will take 15-20 minutes to fully cook through. If you crank up the heat to 400°F, expect closer to 10-15 minutes. Always check for doneness by temperature, not just time.
Pan-Frying Thin Chicken Breast
You can also cook thin chicken cutlets quickly on the stovetop. Here’s how:
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Season chicken all over with salt and pepper. You can flour or bread the chicken first for more browning.
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Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add chicken slices in a single layer without crowding.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and chicken is cooked through. Check temperature with a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Pan-frying will give you delicious browning on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Total cooking time will be 4-6 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Thin Chicken Breasts
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Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. This prevents over or undercooking.
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Don’t crowd the pan or baking sheet. Cook chicken in a single layer so it browns evenly.
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Let it rest before slicing for juicier results.
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Add flavor with marinades, spice rubs or breading. Try lemon-herb, cajun seasoning or panko.
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Cook at a higher temperature for quicker results, but watch closely to avoid burning.
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Chicken continues cooking after removed from heat. Take it out just below 165°F and let residual heat finish.
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Store cooked chicken breast in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for later use.
Now that you know how long to cook thin chicken breast slices, you can enjoy perfectly juicy and delicious chicken cutlets anytime. Master this basic cooking method and you’ll have a quick, healthy protein to use in all kinds of recipes. Just remember to monitor with a thermometer and avoid overcooking for the best results.
Sides for thinly sliced chicken recipes:
One of the best reasons to cook chicken in general, beyond its lean protein and nutritional profile, is that chicken plates well with a variety of sides from pasta salads, rice, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and more!
Here are a few side dishes that you could pair with your chicken including hot honey brussels sprouts, zesty Italian pasta salad, spicy cucumbers, edamame and bean salad, Tex-Mex salad, and mediterranean rice pilaf!
1) Thinly sliced chicken breast recipes for every day:
If you need thinly sliced chicken that can pair with just about any recipe, here are 10 ways that you can prep your thin chicken pieces to serve with your sides of choice:
Ridiculously Good Air Fryer Chicken Breast Recipe by Pinch of Yum
Air fried to golden perfection, this every day chicken breast is thinly sliced and coated in spices and a brown sugar with corn starch mixture for delicious flavor.
Garlic Butter Chicken Tenderloins by Key to my Lime
Get dinner on the table in under 15 minutes with these easy, stove top garlic butter chicken tenderloins.
Baked Chicken Tenderloin Parmesan by Skinny Taste
With just a few simple ingredients, you can have these baked chicken tenderloins parmesan on the table for a family friendly dinner..
Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders by Project Meal Plan
Coated in a simple breading, these air fryer breaded chicken tenders are perfect for wraps, salads, and serving to hungry kids!
Lemon Butter Chicken Tenders by Cooking Classy
Full of lemon and garlic flavor, these chicken tenders pair nicely with rice, salads, and pastas!
The Best Chicken Cutlets Recipe by Food Network
A mix of Panko and Pecorino Romano result in a perfectly crispy and golden exterior to this flavorful and juicy chicken cutlet.
Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken by Spend with Pennies
Baked, not fried, this juicy parmesan crusted chicken comes together quickly and is perfect to eat on its own or in a sandwich.
Blackened Chicken Cutlets by Pressure Luck Cooking
This blackened chicken is keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo and is a great addition to a balanced meal.
Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Cutlets by Healthy Fitness Meals
These easy to make and perfectly baked crispy chicken cutlets are a dinner that the entire family will enjoy.
Oven Baked Thin Sliced Chicken Breasts by Momma Fit Lyndsey
This oven baked chicken breast recipe is a quick and easy way to get a flavor filled protein on the table in no time.
2) Italian inspired recipes for thinly sliced chicken:
Bruschetta Chicken by Nourish and Fete
Full of fresh Italian flavors, this bruschetta chicken is topping with a delicious tomato-basil mixture and will be on your dinner table in 30 minutes.
Air Fryer Italian Chicken Cutlets by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
These air fryer Italian chicken cutlets come together in a flash and pair perfectly with simple side dishes or placed on a pasta.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken by Salt and Baker
Smothered in a creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach tuscan sauce, these chicken tenders are full of flavors a pair well with your favorite sides.
Baked Pesto Chicken Tenders by 5 Dinners 1 Hour
These baked chicken tenders have a quick 5 minute prep time and are so easy, even a beginner cook can make them!
Crispy Baked Chicken Cutlets, Italian-Style by Mangia with Michele
Baked, not fried, these crispy Italian chicken cutlets are full of flavor and will not disappoint!
3) Thin chicken breast recipes with soy:
Honey Soy Chicken Tenderloins by Allie Carte Dishes
These chicken tenderloins are covered in a delicious honey soy sauce and taste as delicious as they look!
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders by Little Sunny Kitchen
These flavor filled chicken tenders come together in 20-minutes and are made in just one pan!
Honey-Gochujang Fried Chicken Tenders by The Kitchn
Make the perfect game-day snack or delicious dinner with these chicken tenders coated in a sweet and spicy sauce!
Zesty Honey Soy Baked Chicken by Lauren Twigge Nutrition
This thinly sliced chicken breast recipe is baked to perfection and covered in a zesty honey soy sauce that your entire family will love.
Asian Lemon Chicken Tenders by Damn Delicious
A lemon glaze adds a fun twist to your favorite chicken tenders.
4) Sort of spicy thinly sliced chicken breast recipes:
Looking to turn up the heat? Switching out condiments, toppings, and dips is an easy way to add some spice to your thinly sliced chicken recipes. Here are 5 recipe ideas that feature slightly spicy chicken you may enjoy:
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders by This Silly Girl’s Kitchen
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or make them a meal, these slightly spicy buffalo chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress!
Spicy Chicken Tenders by Don’t Go Bacon My Heart
If you’re looking for an extra crunch, these thinly sliced chicken breasts are coated in buttermilk and hot sauce then deep fried to deliciousness!
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips by Taste of Home
You can pair these chicken strips with dips like guacamole and salsa or chop them and add them a taco salad or bowl!
Gochugaru Chicken Tenders by Feeding the Frasers
These chicken tenders are seasoned with a Korean chile flakes blend bringing your chicken from boring to bursting with flavor.
Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tenders by Saving Room for Dessert
Full of citrus and chipotle flavors, these grilled chicken tenders feature a sweet heat that pairs nicely with a spicy slaw.
There you have 25 delicious ways to cook with thinly sliced chicken breast! Whether you use chicken tenderloins or butterfly your chicken breasts into thin chicken cutlets, these chicken recipes are a quick and easy way to get a tasty protein on the dinner table in no time!
What is thinly sliced chicken and why cook with it?
Thinly sliced chicken is simply chicken that has been cut into smaller pieces. Most often, people will buy thinly sliced chicken from the store in the form of chicken tenderloins or thinly sliced chicken breast. You also have the option to buy whole chicken breasts that you can butterfly or thin slice once you get home!
Some of the reasons I recommend cooking with with thinly sliced chicken include:
- Quicker cooking times: Depending on the thickness of the chicken you cook with, thinly sliced chicken pieces can be baked all the way through in about 25-40 minutes. Always ensure you have reached 165 internal temperature with a food thermometer!
- More even cooking: Gone are the days of some of your baked chicken turning out bone dry while other pieces are hardly baked at all. While slicing your chicken into thinner pieces helps the chicken cook more evenly, your chicken can also be pounded down with a mallet so that all of your pieces are even more cohesive in size.
- More chicken! Take 3 breasts and turn them into 6 servings by butterflying them in half… talk about feeding healthy meals on a budget!
How to cook chicken breast perfectly every time (stovetop recipe)
FAQ
How long does it take thin sliced chicken breast to cook?
Stovetop 1. Add 1 tablespoon oil with 2 tablespoons of chicken broth and chicken breast to a cold skillet; cover. 2. Heat skillet to MEDIUM HIGH heat and cook covered 16 to 18 minutes, turning 2 to 3 times, until breasts are lightly browned and internal temperature on instant read thermometer reaches 170°F.
How long does it take to cook thin strips of chicken breast?
- At 350℉/175℃ cook for 15-20 minutes.
- At 375℉/190℃ cook for 12-15 minutes.
- At 400℉/205℃ cook for 10-12 minutes.
- At 425℉/218℃ cook for 8-10 minutes.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long to cook thin sliced chicken breast?
The recommended cooking time for thin sliced chicken breast in the oven is approximately 15-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). It’s important to note that these times are estimates and should be adjusted according to your specific oven and the thickness of the chicken breasts. 1. How do I determine the thickness of my chicken breasts?
How long do you cook thin sliced chicken in the oven?
While cooking times can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the chicken and the oven temperature, there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure delicious results every time. Do you like this article? The recommended cooking time for thin sliced chicken breast in the oven is approximately 15-20 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
How long should thin chicken breast be cooked at 350?
At 400F thinly sliced boneless chicken breasts should take no longer than 15-20 minutes. At 350F it may need 25-30 minutes depending on how thin the chicken is sliced. How long should thin chicken breasts bake at 350? chicken breast at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes.
How long does it take to cook chicken breast?
Serve on top of a salad, in a sandwich, or with potatoes or rice and a veggie! Note: cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of chicken breasts as store thicknesses will vary. Thinly sliced chicken breast should take ~7-10 minutes, but start checking for doneness around 6 minutes if they’re very thin.
How do you cook thin chicken breast?
There are several methods to cooking your thin chicken breasts including baking in the oven, pan frying or using an air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375F degrees. Toss the chicken breasts in oil and seasonings of your choice on a baking sheet. Feel free to put down parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
How long does it take to cook a whole chicken at 350?
The quick response is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. It will take 20 to 25 minutes to cook a whole, unstuffed chicken in the oven for every pound it weighs. How long does it take to bake thin chicken breasts at 350? Cooking advice Cook the chicken breast for 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (177°C).