Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared in endless ways. However it’s easy to overcook chicken breast, leaving it dry and flavorless. The key is using the right techniques and cook times to lock in moisture and flavor. With a Breville toaster oven, you can achieve restaurant-quality chicken breast with a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
Why Use a Toaster Oven?
A toaster oven like the Breville Smart Oven Air provides more consistent heating than a traditional full-size oven. The smaller cavity size allows for faster preheating, so your chicken reaches the target temperature quicker without overcooking the exterior. Many Breville models also have an integrated air fryer function that uses super convection heat to crisp up the chicken skin.
Picking the Right Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the easiest to work with. Opt for breasts around 6-8 oz each for more even cooking. Avoid ultrathin sliced breasts, which can dry out very quickly.
For the juiciest results, choose air-chilled chicken when possible. Air-chilled chicken isn’t plumped with salty broth like water-chilled chicken. This gives you better control over the seasoning.
Proper Seasoning is Key
Proper seasoning is one of the most important steps for flavorful, juicy chicken. Season the raw chicken on both sides with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs you like. Let the seasoned chicken rest for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow the salt to penetrate deep into the meat. This helps the chicken retain more moisture as it cooks.
Use a Meat Thermometer
A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. However, shooting for 155-160°F will give you the juiciest results. The chicken will continue cooking to 165°F as it rests.
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast, taking care not to touch any bones. Digital thermometers that you can leave in the chicken during cooking are very convenient to monitor the temperature.
Pick the Right Cooking Method
There are a few different ways to cook chicken breasts in a Breville toaster oven:
Air Fry Mode
The Air Fry mode uses super convection heat from the top heating elements to simulate deep frying. The high heat helps render fat under the skin for deliciously crispy chicken skin. Rub a light coat of oil on the skin before air frying. Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until browned and crisp.
Oven Mode
Cook bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in regular oven mode at 375°F for 18-22 minutes depending on thickness. The bone and skin help insulate the delicate breast meat. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Broil Mode
Broiling is great for quick cooking and caramelizing the exterior. Place boneless breasts on a broiling pan coated with oil. Broil 5 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Roast Mode
Roast bone-in chicken breasts at 375°F for 25-35 minutes until cooked through. The gentle ambient heat from all sides keeps the meat very moist.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
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Pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/2″ thickness so they cook evenly. Place between plastic wrap or waxed paper before pounding.
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Marinate the chicken for added moisture and flavor. Buttermilk, yogurt, citrus juice, vinegars, and aromatic spices make excellent marinades.
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Coat the chicken with cornstarch, flour, or panko breadcrumbs before cooking for an ultra crispy exterior.
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Cook the chicken on a rack over a baking pan. This allows air circulation all around to prevent steaming.
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Brush chicken with oil or melted butter several times during cooking to keep it from drying out.
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Insert fresh herb sprigs like thyme, rosemary, or sage under the skin before cooking for fantastic aroma and flavor.
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After cooking, tent the chicken loosely with foil and let rest 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to reabsorb for a juicier texture.
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Pair your chicken with flavorful sauces and glazes like chimichurri, teriyaki, bbq sauce, pesto, or fresh salsa.
Sample Recipes to Try
Here are a few delicious sample recipes for cooking moist, flavorful chicken breasts in a Breville toaster oven:
Crispy Parmesan Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking pan with foil.
- Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3.Brush chicken all over with oil. Coat top side completely with Parmesan. - Place chicken Parmesan side up on baking pan.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until cheese is melted and browned and chicken is cooked through.
Pesto Chicken Pinwheels
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup prepared pesto
- 2 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Roasted red peppers
- Fresh basil leaves
- Pound chicken breasts to 1/4″ thickness between plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread each breast with pesto. Top with mozzarella slices, peppers and basil.
- Roll up each breast and secure with toothpicks.
- Place pinwheels seam side down in Breville toaster oven.
- Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
BBQ Chicken Kebabs
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Red onion, cut into 1″ chunks
- Bell pepper, cut into 1″ chunks
- BBQ sauce
- Metal skewers
- Thread chicken cubes, onion and pepper pieces onto skewers, alternating ingredients.
- Brush kebabs all over with BBQ sauce.
- Cook in Breville toaster oven on Air Fry mode at 400°F, turning once, for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Brush with more BBQ sauce before serving.
With the right preparation and cooking techniques, you can make incredibly moist, flavorful chicken breast meals in your Breville toaster oven. Refer to an instant read thermometer and the visual cues listed above to determine when your chicken is perfectly cooked. With a little practice, you’ll be able to prepare juicy, tender chicken breasts to enjoy any night of the week.
Use the Right Temperature
Refer to the recipe or the recommended temperature guidelines for the air frying food. It’s generally advisable to start with a higher temperature (around 375°F/190°C) and adjust as needed based on your desired level of crispiness.
Understanding the Breville Smart Oven
The Breville Smart Oven is unlike any regular oven you’ve seen. It’s a special kitchen appliance that can make cooking easier and better. If you want an oven that can do many things and is easy to use, then the Breville Smart Oven is perfect.
This smart oven has special features that make it different from other ovens. It can do many cooking methods like baking, broiling, toasting, and roasting. This means you can cook all kinds of delicious food using this oven.
One really cool thing about the Breville Smart Oven is that it can also air fry. Air frying makes food crispy and golden, like when it is in oil. But with the Breville Smart Oven, you use less oil, which is healthier. So you may eat your favorite fried dishes guilt-free.
The Breville Smart Oven is also very good at cooking food evenly. It has a special technology ensures the heat is evenly spread, so your food comes out perfectly cooked every time. You don’t have to worry about burning or undercooking your meals anymore. The Breville Smart Oven takes care of it for you.
Easy Toaster Oven Baked Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What temperature to cook chicken breast in a toaster oven?
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
What is the difference between bake and roast on a Breville toaster oven?
Bake mode = the bottom heating elements are more intense, this helps give rise to baked goods without overcooking the top. For roast = the elements are more even to give a more even cook to all sides of what you are cooking. Both bake mode and roast mode can be done with or without the convection fan.