Boneless, skinless chicken breasts take about 25–45 minutes to bake uncovered at 350°F, depending on their size and thickness. A 6–8 ounce chicken breast usually takes about 30 minutes, while very large breasts may take 40–45 minutes. Chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
We make these juicy oven-baked chicken breasts almost every week for easy dinners and meal prep. Serve them as-is or use the cooked chicken in salads, wraps, casseroles, and other recipes.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breasts at 350°F
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts typically take 25–45 minutes to bake uncovered at 350°F. The exact cooking time depends on their size and thickness.
- 6–8 ounces: about 30 minutes
- 10–12 ounces: about 35 minutes
- 12–14 ounces: about 40 minutes
- 16–18 ounces: about 45 minutes
These times are estimates because thickness matters as much as weight. Always check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer and cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F.
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Why You’ll Love It
- Simple ingredients: You only need chicken, oil, and a few everyday seasonings.
- Great for meal prep: Use the cooked chicken for lunches, salads, wraps, and casseroles.
- Cooking times for different sizes: The chart makes it easier to estimate how long larger chicken breasts will take.
If you’re looking for side dish inspiration, this recipe is a top pick in my What to Serve with Mac and Cheese roundup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
See recipe card for exact amounts.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken breasts: Choose pieces that are similar in size so they finish cooking at about the same time.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasonings adhere and keeps the exterior moist. Canola or vegetable oil also works.
- Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper add simple, versatile flavor.
How to Bake Boneless Chicken Breasts
- Preheat the oven to 350°. Line the pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Trim any fat off of the chicken breasts.
- Mix the oil and spices in a large bowl, put the chicken in the bowl and use your hands to rub the oil-spice mixture onto the chicken evenly.
- Place the chicken onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° when checked with an instant read meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Try to choose chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If you’re cooking a variety of sizes, remove each piece as it reaches 165°F.
- Check the thickest part of each chicken breast with an instant-read thermometer. Remove individual pieces as they reach 165°F so smaller breasts don’t overcook while larger ones finish.
Seasoning Ideas
Try different seasoning blends to change the flavor of your baked chicken. Some of our favorites include:
- Lemon pepper
- BBQ seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Cajun seasoning
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic and herb
- Smoked paprika with garlic powder
Do I Need to Line the Pan?
No. It’s not required, but lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes cleanup much easier. The chicken cooks the same either way.
Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not if you avoid overcooking it. Begin checking near the low end of the estimated cooking time and remove each piece when it reaches 165°F.
No. This recipe bakes uncovered. The olive oil helps prevent the exterior from drying out.
No. They can bake on one side for the entire cooking time.
You don’t have to, but evening out a very thick end can help the chicken cook more uniformly.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
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Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 10 ounces each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Line pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Trim any fat off of the chicken breasts.4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Mix oil and spices in a large bowl, put chicken in the bowl and use your hands to rub the oil-spice mixture onto the chicken evenly.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Place the chicken onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165° when checked with an instant read meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.