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Learn how long to bake chicken at 400 uncovered! Simply pound the chicken breasts thin, season, and bake for 18-20 minutes in a 400-degree oven. This chicken recipe is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, the perfect start to an easy weeknight meal or meal prep. Plus, it happens to be high protein, keto, low carb, gluten free, and dairy free.
Today we’re talking about how long to cook chicken breasts at 400. The most important thing I want you to take from this recipe is that the size of your chicken breasts matters.
Skinless, boneless chicken breast is a lean protein that is easy to overcook. Most chicken breasts are shaped in such a way that they are thin on one end and thick in the middle. The thin part of the chicken breasts can dry out while baking the thick part to a safe temp.
Luckily, there’s a simple solution to ensure your chicken breast at 400 turns out perfectly every time. Just use a mallet to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, and cut the chicken breasts to a similar weight with a knife.
I know it’s tempting to skip this step, but it’s crucial. I’ve purchased chicken breasts as small as 4 ounces and as large as one pound (!). Obviously, the answer to how long you bake chicken breast at 400 will vary widely between those sizes.
Follow my directions below for consistent results in baking chicken!
⭐ How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400
Here’s your shopping list for this baked chicken breast recipe:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (454g)
- Olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Get a printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Preheat the oven to 400F (200C).
To prepare the chicken for baking, pound it to a uniform ½-inch thickness. Then, using a knife, cut the chicken breasts into 4-ounce (113 grams) pieces.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and spray both sides with cooking spray. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together and rub on both sides of the chicken.
Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Put the dish on a rack about 1/3 down from the top of the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes uncovered.
After baking, check the temperature of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer. If they are at a safe temp, allow them to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
The rest period allows the juices to reabsorb into the chicken.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
I don’t recommend trying to determine if chicken is done without a meat thermometer. Color is not an accurate indicator of doneness; chicken can be a little pink and still be safely cooked. According to the USDA, the safe minimum internal temperature for chicken is 165F (74C).
How to Store Baked Chicken Breast
Store cooked chicken breasts in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a covered food-safe container. You can also freeze chicken in freezer bags with the air pressed out.
I prefer to reheat chicken in the microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Add some sauce to the chicken if it’s getting a little dry.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
I prefer baking chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit instead of 350 for a couple of reasons. Baking at 400 is faster, and the high heat really helps seal in the juices and the flavor of the chicken. I think once you try baking chicken at 400 in the oven, it will become your go-to method.
Watch How to Make It!
How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts Four 4-ounce (113 grams) and ½-inch thick (1.27 cm) chicken breasts
- olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound the chicken to a uniform ½-inch thickness using a mallet. Then, using a knife, cut the chicken breasts into 4-ounce (113 grams) pieces.
- Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and mist on both sides with cooking spray. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking dish. Put the dish on a rack about ⅓ down from the top of the preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Check the temperature of the chicken breasts with a meat thermometer to ensure they've reached 165°F (74°C). Add additional cooking time if needed. Allow the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Chicken breasts are a lean protein option that is often less expensive than beef or pork. They are a great choice for meal prepping low calorie meals. Chicken breast is a common player in fitness and bodybuilding meals (often paired with broccoli and rice). One complaint about skinless chicken breast is that it is very bland on its own. To make the most of your chicken, it’s important to use a seasoning, marinade, or sauce on it. There are many ways to flavor chicken without adding a lot of calories. Here, I’m using a blend of spices. You could also use a citrus-based marinade. Breaded chicken, fried chicken, and chicken slathered in sugary sauces tend to be the highest calorie chicken options. This is because these types of chicken include lots of energy-dense white flour, added oil, and/or added sugar. Unfortunately, these tend to be some of the most popular ways to enjoy chicken in the U.S. Baking chicken at 400 is a fairly fast and hands-off process. Roast some veggies while the chicken is cooking, and you’ll have a healthy meal packed with whole foods. Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
🍗 How Long to Bake Bone In Chicken Breast at 400
Skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts take 40-45 minutes in an oven preheated to 400F. Add more cooking time if the chicken has not reached 165F (74C).
Don’t forget to let the chicken rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes after cooking. The rest period allows the chicken to reabsorb juices for the most moist and tender chicken.
🥶 How Long to Bake Chicken Breast at 400 from Frozen
Bake frozen chicken breasts for a total of 35-40 minutes in a covered baking dish in an oven preheated to 400F. Uncover and season the chicken about halfway through baking time. Make sure you place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the pan.
As always, you want to check the chicken with a meat thermometer after baking. Once it has reached 165F (74C), let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
👨🏾🍳 Recipes Using Baked Chicken Breasts
Chicken breast is great in soups, stews, casseroles, and salads. Use leftover chicken in one of these easy chicken recipes:
- High Volume Low Calorie Meals (try the chicken salads)
- Meal Prep Salads for Weight Loss
- Summer Berry Salad
- Turkey Wild Rice Soup (substitute chicken)
You may also enjoy my Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast or my Marinated Chicken in the Air Fryer.
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Hello! I’m Summer, a registered dietitian and home chef who loves to cook, eat, and create recipes for you! Every recipe on this site has been tested by me to help ensure your success in the kitchen. All eaters are welcome here 🙂