Baking chicken breast at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a foolproof way to achieve tender, juicy, and flavorful results every time. While exact cooking times can vary based on the size and thickness of the breasts, the general rule is that boneless, skinless chicken breasts take 21 to 26 minutes to bake at this temperature.

Follow these tips and techniques for baking the perfect chicken breast at 400 degrees.

Select the Right Chicken Breasts

For the best results, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. Having uniform pieces will allow them to cook evenly. Fresh, plump chicken breasts with a slight pink hue are ideal. Avoid frozen chicken breasts as they tend to dry out during baking.

Prepare and Season

Rinse the chicken breasts and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or dish without overcrowding. Drizzle both sides with olive oil and generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, or any of your favorite spices and herbs. Rub the seasoning evenly over the entire surface of the chicken. Allowing it to penetrate boosts flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Preheating is essential for even cooking. Set the oven to 400°F and allow 10-15 minutes for it to fully preheat before baking. This brings the oven up to the proper temperature before the chicken goes in so it can start cooking immediately.

Bake Uncovered

Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the preheated 400°F oven. Bake uncovered for optimal heat circulation and browning. Tenting with foil can cause steaming. Bake for 21-26 minutes without opening the oven door. Peeking can cause temperature fluctuations.

Check Doneness

The best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked to a safe 165°F internal temperature is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, taking care to avoid touching bone. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into a breast to check if the meat is opaque throughout with clear juices.

Allow Resting Time

Once the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the oven. The carryover cooking will continue to raise the internal temperature a bit during the resting period. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving. This allows juices to redistribute back into the meat for maximum moistness.

Add Flavor After Baking

After baking, consider topping the chicken breasts with extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of sauce to add a flavor boost. Slice and serve over fresh greens for a simple yet delicious meal.

Tips for the Best Results

• Pound thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate

• Avoid overcrowding chicken in the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.

• Raise the chicken off the bottom of the pan with a baking rack to let more air flow.

• Brining or marinating before baking helps chicken retain moisture.

• Baste chicken with pan juices during baking to prevent drying out.

• Invest in an oven thermometer if your oven runs hot or cold.

Common Baking Problems and Solutions

Dry, chewy chicken: Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer and stop baking at 165°F. Consider brining chicken before baking.

Undercooked chicken: Return to oven and continue baking until the thermometer hits 165°F internally.

Uneven cooking: Ensure oven is preheated. Rotate pan halfway through. Don’t overcrowd chicken.

Pale, soft skin: Pat chicken dry before baking. Make sure oven is at 400°F. Broil for a couple minutes at the end.

Burned outside: If the chicken is browning too quickly, lower the heat to 375°F. Tent with foil.

Serving Ideas

Baked chicken breast at 400 degrees is extremely versatile. Here are just a few serving ideas:

• Dice and add to salads, grain bowls, pasta dishes

• Shred or slice for sandwiches, wraps, flatbreads

• Toss with buffalo sauce for chicken wings

• Dice and mix into soups, casseroles, stir fries

• Make chicken salad with mayo, celery, onion, herbs

• Stuff into pitas with tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomato

• Top with chimichurri or pesto sauce

• Pair with roasted potatoes and vegetables

• Add to tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, quesadillas

Baked Chicken Breast Satisfies

When done right, chicken breast baked at 400 degrees in the oven comes out with golden, crispy skin on the outside and a tender, juicy center. It only takes 21–26 minutes to cook all the way through, and it makes a tasty and healthy chicken dinner. If you follow the right steps, you can enjoy this high-protein option as the main ingredient in a lot of different recipes or as the star of a meal. Satisfy cravings and nourish your body with baked chicken breast.