In order to bake chicken breasts, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, season the chicken and cook for 18 to 20 minutes in a baking pan or until the temperature of the meat reaches 170 F. Baking chicken breasts is a healthy and delicious way to enjoy the lean protein and since it keeps well, it is a great make-ahead meal idea.
The instructions below show exactly how to prepare and bake chicken breasts.
- Preheat oven
- Choose a seasoning
- Prepare the chicken breasts
- Bake chicken breasts
- Allow chicken to rest
Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Choose a seasoning or dry rub to use on the chicken breasts. Better Homes and Gardens offers a spice-rubbed chicken recipe that helps to add some flare to otherwise bland chicken.
Brush olive oil on both sides of the chicken breasts and then add the seasoning. Place chicken in a baking dish, ensuring that the chicken is in a single layer and not overlapping.
Place the chicken breasts in the oven on the center rack. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes uncovered. Check the chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature has reached the safe 170 F and the meat is no longer pink.
Allow the chicken breasts to rest outside of the oven for 30 minutes if planning to use later. Store the chicken breasts in freezer bags with waxed paper separating the pieces. The chicken breasts can be stored for up to four months in the freezer.
