How Long Does It Take for a Chicken Breast to Cook in a 180°F Oven?
As well as being easy and healthy, baking chicken breast is one of the best ways to prepare this versatile ingredient. Chicken breasts are fresh, juicy, and full of flavor when cooked at the right temperature. Many home cooks, though, want to know how long it really takes to cook chicken breast at 180 degrees.
The answer depends on a few key factors
Size of the Chicken Breast
The thickness and weight of the chicken breast play a big role in determining cook time. A larger, thicker breast will take longer than a smaller, thinner one. Here’s a rough guide:
- Small chicken breast (4-6 oz): 15-20 minutes
- Medium chicken breast (6-8 oz): 20-25 minutes
- Large chicken breast (8-12 oz): 25-35 minutes
Bone-In vs Boneless
Bone-in chicken breasts take longer to cook than boneless since the bone acts as an insulator. Expect bone-in breasts to take 5-10 minutes longer than boneless.
Temperature of Oven
The higher the oven temperature, the less time needed to cook chicken breast. At 180 degrees Celsius or 350 Fahrenheit, chicken breasts take 20-30 minutes to bake fully. Lower oven temperatures around 325 F will increase cook time by 5-10 minutes.
Level of Doneness: The cooking time also depends on how well-done you like your chicken. A breast cooked to 145 F (medium rare) will cook quickly, but a breast cooked to 170 F (well-done) will take longer.
Here’s a doneness guide for oven baked chicken breast:
- Medium rare (145 F): 15-20 minutes
- Medium (160 F): 20-25 minutes
- Well-done (170 F): 25-35 minutes
To ensure proper food safety, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to 165 F.
Tips for Cooking Chicken Breast at 180 Degrees
By following these steps, you can cook a chicken breast at 180 degrees Celsius (350 degrees Fahrenheit) and keep it juicy and moist:
- Pound thicker breasts to an even thickness or slice horizontally to reduce cook time.
- Brine chicken breasts in saltwater for added moisture and flavor.
- Preheat oven fully before baking. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently while chicken is cooking.
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to tell when your chicken breast is fully cooked. Thermometers should read 165 F for chicken.
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for these signs of doneness:
- Chicken breasts feel firm when pressed
- Meat is opaque all the way through
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
Don’t rely on color alone as fully cooked chicken can still be pink inside. Remember to let chicken rest before cutting to allow juices to distribute evenly.
How to cook chicken
Roast at 200C/180C fan/gas 6 (whole chicken: 25 mins per 500g, plus an extra 25 mins; breasts, 15 mins; thighs and wings, 40 mins).
Grill or barbecue (breast, 7-10 mins; cubes or strips, 5-7 mins; drumsticks and thighs, 25-30 mins; wings, 40 mins).
Stir-fry (cubes or strips, 5-7 mins). Before serving, always make sure there is no pink meat and that the juices run clear (see picture).
How to prepare chicken
Certain cuts of chicken can be marinated before cooking, to add flavour and moisture, as well as tenderise the meat. Slash the skin a couple of times to help the marinade penetrate further.
Before it goes in the oven, chicken should be at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge (1 hour for a whole chicken; 30 minutes for a cut) before cooking. Keep it covered, in a cool place.
BAKED CHICKEN BREAST | juicy, tender, easy, and oh, so flavorful!
FAQ
How long to cook chicken breast in oven at 350?
When cooking chicken breast in the oven at 350°F, it typically takes: Large Breasts (11 oz. and up): 35-40 minutes Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the oven at 400 degrees? The longer times are for cooking chicken breast at 400°F.
What temperature should I cook chicken breast in the oven?
The ideal temperature for cooking chicken breast in the oven is 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the chicken to cook through evenly while remaining juicy and tender. How long should I bake chicken breast in the oven? The baking time for chicken breast depends on its size:
How long do you cook boneless chicken in the oven?
Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 375-degree-F oven. We wouldn’t be complete without mentioning instant read thermometers, which are likely the best way to tell if your chicken is done.
How to cook chicken breast at 180°C?
At 180°C, you have several effective cooking methods for chicken breast, including baking, roasting, and grilling. Baking is a straightforward technique that allows the chicken to cook evenly in a dry environment. Just put the chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish, season it as you like, and bake it.
Can you cook chicken from frozen at 180°C?
Yes, you can cook chicken breast from frozen at 180°C, but it may require adjusting the cooking time. A frozen chicken breast typically takes about 50% longer to cook than a thawed one, which means it could take around 30 to 45 minutes.
How do you season chicken breast before baking?
To add flavor, season the chicken breast with a mix of olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices like paprika or garlic powder before baking. For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in your favorite seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
How long does chicken breast take to cook at 180 degrees?
If you’re following a specific recipe, then don’t deviate! Otherwise, follow this general formula: Cook large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for 20 to 30 minutes in a 180-degree-C oven. Cook large, bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts for 35 to 40 minutes in a 180-degree-C oven.
How long to bake chicken in oven 180?
- Heat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Tip a couple of tbsp olive oil into a small roasting tin. …
- Roast for 20-25 mins until the chicken is cooked through – check by poking a knife into the centre of each breast to make sure the juices run clear. Rest for 5 mins before serving.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long does it take to fully Cook a chicken breast in the oven?
Baking chicken breast at 350°F (175°C) typically takes about 25 to 30 minutes for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If the chicken is bone-in or has skin, it may take 30 to 40 minutes. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.