Split chicken breast is one of the most versatile and budget-friendly cuts of chicken. It cooks quickly, is easy to season and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. However, over or undercooking split chicken breast can lead to dry, tough meat or undercooked chicken, which poses a health risk. Follow this complete guide to learn how long to cook juicy, flavorful split chicken breast.
Choosing the Right Cut
When selecting split chicken breast at the grocery store or butcher shop, choose cuts that are moist and have a slight pink hue without any foul odor Opt for bone-in, skin-on split chicken breast, as the bones and skin help retain moisture and add flavor. Skinless breasts can also be used but may require adjusted cooking times Avoid chicken with a slimy texture or weird smell.
Prepping Split Chicken Breast
Rinse split chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels This removes bacteria and excess moisture for better browning Consider seasoning with herbs, spices, oil, vinegar or citrus juice. Let chicken marinate for 30 minutes up to 24 hours for more flavor infusion. Brush the skin with oil for crispy skin.
Oven Temperature
The optimal oven temperature for cooking split chicken breast is 375°F (190°C). This allows the meat to cook through without drying out. Other common oven temperatures include:
- 350°F (175°C) – Lower temperature for gentler, slower cooking
- 400°F (205°C) – Higher temperature for faster cooking and crispy skin
- 425°F-450°F (220°C-230°C) – Very high heat for quick cooking times
How Long to Bake Split Chicken Breast
Cooking times vary based on size and thickness. General guidelines:
- Bone-in at 375°F: 30-45 minutes
- Boneless at 400°F: 20-25 minutes
- 1 lb of chicken: 15-20 minutes
- 1.5-2 lbs: 25-35 minutes
- 2.5-3 lbs: 35-45 minutes
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Rest chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Step-by-Step Cooking Method
Follow these simple steps for oven-baked split chicken breast:
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken
Rinse chicken and pat dry. Coat with oil. Season as desired.
Step 3: Bake
Place chicken skin-side up on prepared baking sheet. Bake 30-45 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Pair with your favorite side dishes.
Cooking Tips for Moist, Juicy Chicken
- Brine chicken in saltwater solution for added flavor and moisture
- Use a meat thermometer to prevent under or overcooking
- Tent chicken with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing for juicier meat
- Bake at lower temps for longer times
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
The best way to test doneness is using a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F. Signs of done chicken include:
- Clear juices (not pink or bloody)
- Meat is opaque and white, not pink
- Skin is deeply golden brown
Undercooked chicken is dangerous, but overcooking also leads to dry, tough meat. Let a thermometer be your guide for perfect chicken every time.
Troubleshooting Oven-Baked Chicken
If your chicken breasts turn out overcooked or unevenly cooked, don’t panic. Here are some fixes:
- If dried out, brush chicken with oil, broth or butter
- Add sauce or gravy over dried chicken
- Shred very overcooked chicken for casseroles or soup
With the proper prep, cooking time, and temperature, you can achieve tender and juicy oven-baked split chicken breast. Follow these tips and techniques for foolproof, flavorful chicken dinner every time.
How Long to Boil Chicken
- Thinner chicken breast cutlets are ready in about 8 minutes.
- Larger chicken breasts can take up to 15 minutes.
- Large bone-in chicken breasts will take about 20 minutes.
Check frequently toward the end of cooking either by checking the internal temperature with a thermometer (the chicken should be 165°F) or by slicing into the chicken to make sure its cooked through, and continue to cook until its done.
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How I Boil Chicken
My method is very simple and straightforward: Just cover the chicken with about an inch of water and bring it to a boil. Lower the heat until the water is simmering, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook. Thats it!
How to Cook SPLIT CHICKEN BREASTS! Low Carb Baked Chicken Breast Recipe/Tutorial!
FAQ
How long do you cook a split chicken for?
A spatchcocked (or split) chicken generally takes 45-60 minutes to roast at 400°F, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Is it better to bake bone-in chicken at 350 or 400?
The ideal temperature to roast bone-in chicken breasts is 400oF. However, you can bake chicken in an oven that’s anywhere from 350oF to 425oF. Obviously, cooking time is affected. You’ll have to add time if you’re roasting it at 350oF and subtract time at 425oF. Again, an instant read thermometer is your friend.
What temperature do I cook split chicken breast at?
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. …
- Bake about 30 min until internal temp reaches 160 degrees (check by inserting thermometer halfway into thickest part of chicken); remove from oven. …
- Transfer chicken juices from sheet pan to saucepan; add butter and soy sauce.
How long does a halved chicken breast take to cook?
| Type of chicken | Weight | Roasting 350ºF (177º C) |
|---|---|---|
| breast halves, bone-in | 6 to 8 oz | 30 to 40 minutes |
| breast halves, boneless | 4 oz | 20 to 30 minutes |
| legs or thighs | 4 to 8 oz | 40 to 50 minutes |
| drumsticks | 4 oz | 35 to 45 minutes |
How do you cook a split chicken breast?
Sear the skin. *For extra crispy chicken skin, heat a skillet or frying pan to medium-high heat. There is no need to add oil (it’s already on your split chicken breasts); place the skin side down on the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes or until nicely golden brown. Then place it onto your baking sheet and continue with steps 5 & 6.
How long to cook split chicken breast in oven?
With these tips, you can avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken and enjoy a tasty and healthy meal. How Long Does It Take To Cook Split Chicken Breast In The Oven? On average, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook split chicken breast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven.
How long does it take to cook split chicken?
On average, it takes about 30-40 minutes to cook split chicken breast in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. This time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Do I Need To Marinate The Chicken Before Baking? It is not necessary to marinate the chicken before baking, but marinating can add flavor and moisture to the meat.
What temperature should a split chicken breast be cooked at?
The recommended oven temperature for cooking split chicken breast is 375°F (190°C). This temperature helps the chicken breast cook evenly without drying out the meat. However, you can make adjustments to the oven temperature based on your preference and the desired level of browning on the chicken breast.
Can you cook a split chicken in the oven?
A: Yes, you can cook a split chicken in the oven at a higher temperature, but be careful not to overcook the chicken. A higher temperature will result in faster cooking time, but may also result in dry and tough meat. Q: Can I marinate or season a split chicken before cooking it in the oven?
How long do you cook frozen chicken breast in the oven?
Once the frozen chicken breast is thawed, you can follow the standard cooking times for cooking split chicken breast in the oven. A general rule of thumb is to cook it for approximately 20 to 30 minutes per pound at an oven temperature of 375°F (190°C).