How Long to Bake Chicken Breast with Bone at 400°F for Juicy, Tender Results

Baking bone-in chicken breasts at 400°F is a great way to make a delicious juicy entrée. The bone helps keep the meat moist while the high heat crisps up the skin. But nailing the bake time is key to getting the best results. Undercook the chicken and you risk foodborne illness. Bake it too long and you’ll end up with dry, stringy meat.

So how long should you bake a bone-in chicken breast at 400°F? Read on for tips, guidelines, and techniques to help you bake juicy, tender chicken breasts every time

Factors That Affect Chicken Breast Bake Time

Several factors impact how long it takes to bake chicken breasts, including

• Bone-in vs boneless – Bones conduct heat slower than meat. Bone-in breasts take longer to cook through.

• Thickness – The thicker the breast, the longer the bake time. Thinner cuts cook faster.

• Brining – Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning. This can extend baking time.

• Weight – Larger, heavier breasts need more time to bake fully. Standard breasts are 6-8 oz.

• Temperature – Higher oven heat speeds cooking. Lower temps increase bake time.

• Altitude – Higher altitudes mean less air pressure. This adds bake time.

• Marinades – Acidic marinades like lemon juice can slightly extend baking time.

Recommended Bake Times

Given all the variables, recommended bake times are a range:

Boneless chicken breasts

• 1-1.5 inches thick – Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes
• 1.5-2 inches thick – Bake for 25-30 minutes

Bone-in chicken breasts

• 1-1.5 inches thick – Bake for 35-40 minutes
• 1.5-2 inches thick – Bake for 40-45 minutes

These times are for 6-8 oz. chicken breasts baked at standard oven temperature and sea level altitude.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Doneness

To ensure food safety and prevent over or undercooking, check temperature using an instant-read thermometer.

Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to touch bone. Chicken is safely cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

If the chicken isn’t quite done when the recommended time is up, continue baking and check the temperature every few minutes until it reaches 165°F.

Tips for the Juiciest Oven-Baked Chicken Breasts

Follow these tips for tender, juicy oven-baked chicken:

• Brine first – Soaking chicken breasts in a saltwater brine adds moisture and seasoning.

• Pat dry – Blot chicken with paper towels before baking to encourage browning.

• Use a rack – Elevate chicken on a rack over a baking sheet for air circulation.

• Preheat properly – Allow oven to fully preheat before baking.

• Don’t crowd – Leave space between breasts for even cooking.

• Bake at 400°F – The high heat helps chicken brown and seals in juices.

• Let rest before cutting – Waiting 5 minutes allows juices to reabsorb after baking.

Step-By-Step Method for Baked Chicken Breast

Follow these simple steps for foolproof oven-baked chicken breast:

Step 1: Brine the Chicken

Soak chicken breasts in a saltwater brine for 30 minutes up to overnight. This seasons the meat and makes it extra moist.

To make a quick brine, dissolve 1⁄4 cup salt in 4 cups water. Submerge chicken in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate.

Step 2: Pat Chicken Dry

Remove chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels. Let it air dry for 15 minutes before baking.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Be sure to give it plenty of time to fully heat—at least 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare a Pan

Place a wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet. This elevates the chicken for air flow.

Step 5: Season the Chicken

Coat chicken all over with olive oil or melted butter. Season as desired with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, etc.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Place chicken skin-side up on the wire rack. Bake for 35-45 minutes, until 165°F.

Step 7: Let Chicken Rest

Remove chicken from the oven, tent with foil, and let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Check for Doneness

Double check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F.

Common Baking Questions

Still have questions about baking bone-in chicken breasts? Here are some frequent queries:

How long does it take to bake two bone-in chicken breasts?

Double the bake time. For two 1–1.5 inch breasts, bake 70-80 minutes. For 1.5–2 inches, bake 80-90 minutes.

Can you bake frozen bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes! Add 15-20 extra minutes to the bake time. Thaw first for shortest time.

What temp should you bake bone-in chicken?

400°F is ideal. The high heat crisps the skin and locks in juices.

What if my chicken isn’t done when timer goes off?

Continue baking until the breasts reach an internal temp of 165°F. Check every 5 minutes.

Can you overbake bone-in chicken breasts?

Yes, baking too long dries out the meat. Use a meat thermometer for doneness to prevent overbaking.

How long does baked chicken last in the fridge?

Cooked chicken keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice the breasts before storing.

The Takeaway

Baking juicy, flavorful bone-in chicken breasts is easy when you follow a few simple guidelines. For best results, brine the chicken first and bake at a high temp (400°F). Cook times vary from 35-45 minutes depending on thickness. Always check internal temperature using a meat thermometer for food safety and perfect doneness. Rest chicken before serving so juices can reabsorb. Master this easy method for healthy, delicious oven-baked chicken any night of the week.