Split chicken breast is a common cut of chicken that can make for a juicy, flavorful meal. But what exactly is a split chicken breast? And how do you cook it to perfection? This article will explain it all.
What is a Split Chicken Breast?
A split chicken breast is a whole chicken breast that has been cut in half, leaving a half chicken breast with a bone on one side
Chicken breasts normally have two sides attached in the middle by cartilage To create a split breast, the butcher cuts through this cartilage to separate the two sides. This leaves you with two halves, each with a breastbone on one side
The term “split” refers to the breast being split in two. Some people also call them “bone-in chicken breasts”
Why Are They Called Split?
There’s some debate around whether the past participle of the verb “split” is “split” or “splitted.” Both are technically correct.
In the case of a split chicken breast, the term “split” is more commonly used. The chicken breast starts as one solid piece then gets split in half, leaving you with two split chicken breast halves.
So the term “split” refers to the separating action that created the two halves. Each piece is a “split breast” since it was split from the original whole breast.
Benefits of Split Chicken Breasts
There are a few advantages to using split bone-in chicken breasts rather than boneless:
-
More flavorful – The bone adds extra chicken flavor as the meat cooks. The bone also helps keep the meat moist.
-
Juicier meat – The bone conducts heat slower than meat. This slower cooking helps keep moisture locked in.
-
Skin gets crispy – The skin will crisp up nicely since it’s still attached. Skinless boneless breasts can dry out.
-
Easy to portion – Each breast half serves 1 person. With boneless you have to cut them up.
-
Cheaper – Less processing goes into split bone-in breasts, so they cost less than boneless.
How to Prepare Split Chicken Breasts
Preparing split breasts is easy since they come ready to cook with the bone and skin on. Here are some tips:
-
Rinse under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Make sure there’s no excess moisture on the skin.
-
Use a brush to coat the skin evenly with olive oil. This helps the skin get crispy.
-
Season generously with spices, herbs, garlic, etc. Salt and pepper are musts for flavor.
-
Arrange in a single layer in a baking dish or sheet pan. Don’t overcrowd.
Once prepped, they’re ready for roasting, baking, grilling or any chicken breast recipe.
How Long to Cook Split Chicken Breasts
Since the bone is still in the meat, split breasts take a bit longer to cook than boneless. Plan for 40-50 minutes in a 400°F oven.
The best way to test doneness is using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, avoiding the bone. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut into the meat to check its progress. It should be white throughout with no pink in the center when fully cooked.
What to Serve with Split Chicken Breasts
The possibilities are endless when it comes to side dishes for split chicken breasts! Here are some classic pairings:
-
Baked potatoes or mashed potatoes – Russet or sweet potatoes are perfect matches.
-
Rice pilaf or couscous – Chicken and rice is a tasty combo.
-
Roasted vegetables – Roast veggies like Brussels sprouts, carrots or broccoli.
-
Green salad – A fresh salad balances the meal. Top with avocado, nuts or berries.
-
Bread – Crusty bread is ideal for dipping in pan juices.
-
Pasta – Pair with egg noodles, linguine or zucchini noodles.
Delicious Split Chicken Breast Recipes
Ready to cook up some split chicken breasts? Here are 3 delicious recipes to try:
1. Oven Roasted Split Chicken Breasts
Coat split breasts with oil and sprinkle with rosemary, garlic, salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 40-50 minutes until cooked through. Serve with roasted potatoes and veggies.
2. Chicken Florentine Split Breasts
Top split breasts with spinach, cheese and garlic. Bake until chicken is 165°F. Serve over pasta or rice for a flavorful meal.
3. BBQ Split Chicken Breasts
Marinate split breasts in a zesty BBQ sauce. Grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes per side. Pair with cornbread and coleslaw for a backyard BBQ feast.
As you can see, split chicken breasts are incredibly versatile. Roasting or grilling them simply seasoned is an easy dinner. Or use them in more complex recipes for Mexican, Italian or other international cuisines.
Hopefully this article helped explain exactly what split chicken breasts are and how to cook them. Now it’s time to get cooking! Split chicken breasts make for quick, budget-friendly meals that are moist and flavorful every time.
How to Roast Split Chicken Breast
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Use your hands to rub the oil and seasonings into the chicken breasts. This will help the seasonings really adhere to the chicken and every bit of the chicken breast be well-seasoned.
- Bake with an oven-safe thermometer. If you have an oven-safe digital meat thermometer, now is the time to use one. Insert the probe into the thickest part of one split chicken breast and set the temperature to 165 degrees F which is the perfect temperature for chicken. The alarm will sound when the chicken is cooked, ensuring perfectly cooked, always juicy chicken.
- Rest before serving. Allow the roasted chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, as this will allow the juices to redistribute and the chicken to stay nice and juicy.
Flavor Variations for Roasted Chicken Breast
- Sweet & Smoky: Use 1-2 tablespoons of homemade dry rub for a sweet and spicy variation of baked split chicken breasts. Delicious served with barbecue sauce as well.
- Italian-Seasoned: Along with the olive oil, season the chicken with 1 teaspoon each of kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Swap Out the Salt: In place of the salt use Homemade Seasoned Salt or Adobo Seasoning, for a simple, yet more nuanced flavor.
- Poultry Seasoning: Along with the olive oil and salt, season the split chicken breasts with 1-2 teaspoons of poultry seasoning before baking.
- Lemon Garlic: Combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Use to rub all over the chicken bake as directed.
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool and then, if desired, remove the chicken from the bone and shred or dice it into bite-size pieces. Place the chicken into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place the diced or shredded chicken into airtight freezer-safe bags and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To use frozen cooked chicken, allow the chicken to defrost overnight in the refrigerator or add the frozen chicken directly to casseroles before baking or to simmering soups.
Baked Split Chicken Breasts
FAQ
Is split chicken breast good?
- The bone and skin help provide great flavor and juicy meat.
- The skin shields the meat from direct heat and has small amounts of fat that render during cooking — both of these help the meat retain moisture.
What does split breast mean?
A “split breast” refers to a specific cut of the bird. It consists of a chicken breast that is split into two halves, each one including one half of the breast meat and the underlying bone. Popularity. This is the 27th most popular part (out of 30 possible parts) in the events we have filmed.
What does it mean if a chicken breast is split?
A split chicken breast is a chicken breast with the bone and skin. Two split breasts equal one whole chicken breast. Sometimes, the breasts are still intact and might be called whole chicken breast.