How to Bake Juicy Chicken Breast at 425
Bake moist chicken breast from now on by following this recipe. The key is using high oven heat and cooking for a shorter amount of time.
Are you tired of eating dry chicken every week? This simple trick will produce the juiciest oven baked chicken breast you’ve ever had.
It’s a staple in our household and I guarantee your family will love it too. Another good thing about this recipe is that the options are endless when it comes to marinades.
The chicken can be prepared with Italian, Asian, or Mexican seasonings. This oven baked chicken is also perfect for buffalo chicken wraps, or on its own!
Ingredients
2 pounds chicken breast: I normally pick up around 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast to keep this meal as healthy as possible. Make sure to trim off any excess pieces of fat, because taking a bite of this can be unappealing.
Marinade or Seasoning: All you need to do after the fat has been removed is to add marinade. This recipe is all about using ingredients you can find around your house. Balsamic vinegar paired with olive oil add flavor and make this chicken incredibly juicy.
If you’re looking for the most amount of flavor, marinating for a longer period of time will do the trick. Place the chicken breast with your favorite marinade in a plastic bag and keep it in the fridge overnight.
How Long to Bake Chicken at 425?
It takes 18-22 minutes to bake chicken breast at 425°. The amount of time really depends on your specific oven. Newer models are more efficient, so there’s a good chance the chicken breast will cook faster.
The most important thing to keep in mind is checking the internal temperature. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cooking chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit.
Marinades & Seasonings
The good news is that chicken breast can be marinated with whatever you want. The simplest way is to use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Just make sure to use something – because you want to add some type of flavor.
Balsamic vinegar & olive oil – This is by far the easiest marinade to make. All you need to do is combine equal parts balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Allow the chicken to marinate in a plastic bag, so it can soak up the flavor.
Soy sauce – If you’re looking for some Asian inspired chicken breast, try marinating with soy sauce. I prefer the lower sodium version, because this is where salt can really start to add up.
Olive oil and lemon juice – Another simple recipe you can make with just a few ingredients. This is a 1:1 ratio blend, where you mix extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. It’s ideal for summer salads and light dishes.
Southwest & Mexican – Or you can season the chicken breast for a little more kick. Combine onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and ground cumin together. This can also work as a homemade taco seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long to cook chicken breast in oven?
You should cook chicken breast for 18-22 minutes in the oven. The amount of time will vary depending on the age and type of your appliance. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165° Fahrenheit.
- Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 425?
It’s much better to bake chicken at 425. High heat will retain water and make the chicken breast very juicy. Cooking at a lower oven temperature will require more time, and the chicken will dry out as a result.
- Is 425 too high for chicken?
No, 425° Fahrenheit is the optimal temperature for cooking chicken breast in the oven. In order for the chicken to hold water and retain moisture, you will need to set the oven on high, for a shorter period of time.
- How do I marinate chicken breast?
I find the best way to create juicy oven baked chicken breast is to combine all of your marinades into a small bowl. Mix it up real good, before transferring the marinade to a gallon plastic bag. Then add the chicken and place it in the fridge.
- How to keep chicken breast moist?
High heat is key! After baking your chicken breast at 425 for 18-22 minutes in the oven, allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This will help the chicken retain its juices and it will be very moist when you slice it open.
Juiciest Oven Baked Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
- Combine balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Place chicken in plastic bag along with marinade.
- Allow chicken to marinate overnight in the fridge (optional). Remove chicken from bag and place on a baking sheet with tin foil.
- Put chicken in oven for 18-22 minutes (larger breasts will take longer to cook). Use a thermometer and check for an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit before eating.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
Final Tips
Once the chicken breast has reached an internal temperature of 165° Fahrenheit, let it rest for a few minutes before eating. This helps the juices redistribute themselves back through the poultry.
As a result, you will have the juiciest oven cooked chicken breast ever. You can enjoy this high-protein meal with fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice, on top of a salad, or even by itself!
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