Looking for a ridiculously easy and healthy dinner? Baked thin chicken breasts are the answer. They cook quickly, are packed with protein, and can be customized to fit just about any dietary need or craving.
Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, trying to get dinner on the table fast on a busy weeknight, or just need a versatile protein to build a meal around, this recipe has you covered. It works well with many different spices, seasonings, and sauces.
This guide will teach you everything you need to know to bake juicy and flavorful thin chicken breasts every time. We’ll cover tips, variations, and even some serving suggestions to get you started.
Why bake thin chicken breasts?
There are so many reasons to bake thin chicken breasts. Here are a few:
Time Efficiency
These cook up quickly, in about 15 to 20 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. Prep time is minimal, too, usually just about five minutes.
Health Benefits
Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, with each cutlet providing around 24 grams of protein. Lean protein supports muscle growth and overall health. Thin chicken breasts can easily be incorporated into a balanced diet and are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free.
Versatility
You can adapt thin baked chicken breasts to any flavor profile with different seasonings and marinades. They’re delicious in everything from salads to casseroles.
What you’ll need
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (either thin-cut or regular)
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like (garlic powder, paprika, onion powder all work well)
Equipment:
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup)
- Instant-read thermometer (this is a MUST to make sure the chicken is cooked through!)
- Sharp knife (if you need to slice the chicken)
- Meat mallet (optional, if you want to pound the chicken to an even thickness)
Prepping the chicken
Slicing and pounding
If you don’t have pre-cut thin chicken breasts, you can easily slice them yourself. Just use a sharp knife and slice the chicken breast horizontally. Some cooks say that partially freezing the chicken for about 15 minutes beforehand makes it easier to slice evenly.
Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is important because it helps the chicken cook evenly. To do this, place the breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag and gently pound with a meat mallet until it’s about ½-inch thick. This ensures that the chicken cooks at the same rate and prevents the thinner areas from drying out before the thicker parts are done.
Brining (optional, but highly recommended)
Brining is a simple step that can make your chicken extra juicy. It helps the chicken retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
For a quick brine, dissolve ¼ cup of salt in 4 cups of lukewarm water. Then, soak the chicken in the brine for just 15 minutes. This short soak makes a big difference!
Seasoning and marinating
Chicken breasts can be a little bland on their own, so seasoning is key.
Basic seasoning blend
For a simple but savory chicken breast, try these spices:
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Onion powder
- Dried herbs like parsley and thyme
Make sure the chicken is well coated with the spices before you pop it in the oven.
Flavor variations and marinades
Here are a few ideas for customizing the flavor of your chicken:
- Mexican: Chili powder, cumin, oregano
- Tuscan: Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic
- Honey-Mustard: Honey, mustard, garlic powder
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to two hours before cooking.
Baking Instructions
Here’s how to bake thin chicken breasts so they’re tender and juicy, not dry and tough.
Oven Temperature and Time
For thin chicken breasts, a higher oven temperature and shorter cooking time is the way to go. Set your oven to somewhere between 400°F (200°C) and 450°F (230°C).
At 400°F, your chicken will likely be done in 13 to 15 minutes. Keep in mind that oven temperatures can vary, so use these times as guidelines only.
Baking Process
First, prep your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze.
Then, arrange your chicken breasts in a single layer on the sheet. Make sure they aren’t overlapping.
The best way to know when your chicken is done is to use an instant-read thermometer. When the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready.
Resting Period
This is key! Don’t skip this step. Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful final product.
Aim for a resting time of 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving suggestions and pairing ideas
This baked chicken breast recipe is so versatile, you can serve it in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Versatile meal options
- Salads: Add sliced chicken to a Strawberry Chicken Salad, Kale Caesar Salad, or Thai Chopped Salad.
- Pastas: Combine diced chicken with Pasta Primavera or Chicken Pesto Pasta.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: Create a Chicken Caesar Wrap or Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich.
- Casseroles: Incorporate chicken into a Chicken Hashbrown Casserole or Tater Tot Chicken Casserole.
- Soups: Add shredded chicken to Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup.
Side dish recommendations
- Vegetables: Pair with Lemon Pepper Green Beans or Roasted Vegetables.
- Starches: Serve alongside Baked Potato Casserole, Quinoa Salad, or Curried Couscous Salad.
Storage and reheating instructions
To keep your baked chicken breasts fresh and delicious, follow these tips:
- Let the chicken cool completely before you store it.
- Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Use it within 3 to 4 days to get the best quality.
When you’re ready to reheat, here are a few options:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Reheat in short intervals, checking frequently so it doesn’t dry out.
- Air fryer: Reheat for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
- Overcooking the chicken: This is the cardinal sin of chicken preparation. Use a meat thermometer and cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Under-seasoning: Don’t be shy! Salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices are your friends.
- Skipping the resting period: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful breast.
- Uneven slicing: Consistent thinness is key for even cooking. Aim for slices that are roughly the same thickness across the board.
Summary
Baking thin chicken breasts is a great way to get a quick, easy, healthy, and versatile meal on the table fast.
Don’t be afraid to try different seasonings, sauces, and side dishes to make it your own. This recipe is very adaptable to your individual tastes.
And remember to use a meat thermometer to make sure your chicken is cooked to perfection every time!