How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts at 400
Learn how long to bake chicken breasts at 400! Baking chicken breasts at 400 in the oven makes for an easy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts each 4 ounces (113 grams) and ½-inch thick (1.27 cm)
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- salt and 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 garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper together.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub on both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
- Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a glass 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. The rest period allows the juices to reabsorb into the chicken. Enjoy!
Notes
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 Italian-inspired herbs and 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
Calories: 178kcalCarbohydrates: 0.7gProtein: 25.1gFat: 8.3gSaturated Fat: 1.3gFiber: 0.2gVitamin A: 0.1% DVVitamin C: 0.2% DVCalcium: 1.3% DVIron: 2.6% DV
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