How Long to Cook Chicken Breast Per Pound: The Complete Guide

Have you ever pulled your chicken breast out of the oven only to find it dry and rubbery? Or worse, cut into it and discovered it’s still pink inside? Getting chicken breast right can be tricky, but knowing exactly how long to cook it per pound will help you nail it every time

Quick Answer

For boneless chicken breasts, the general rule is:

• In a 375°F oven: 15-20 minutes per pound
• In a 350°F oven: 20-30 minutes per pound
• Always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F

These times are just starting points – factors like thickness cooking method and whether the chicken has bones will affect the actual cooking time.

Factors That Affect Chicken Breast Cooking Time

Several things can impact how long your chicken needs to cook

1. Size and Thickness

This is probably the biggest factor. Thicker chicken breasts need more time to cook through than thinner ones. A 1-inch thick chicken breast might take 12-15 minutes at 400°F, while a 1/2-inch thick breast might only need 8-10 minutes.

If you’ve got uneven chicken breasts (thicker on one end), consider pounding them to an even thickness. This will help them cook more uniformly and prevent dry spots.

2. Bone-In vs. Boneless

Bone-in chicken breasts take significantly longer to cook than boneless ones. A bone-in chicken breast might need 45-50 minutes at 350°F, while boneless breasts could be done in 20-30 minutes.

3. Cooking Method

The way you cook your chicken dramatically affects cooking time:

• Baking/Roasting: 20-30 minutes per pound at 350°F
• Grilling: 10-12 minutes per pound at 400°F
• Pan-searing: 8-10 minutes per pound
• Slow cooking: 6-8 hours on low

Cooking Times by Weight and Method

Let’s break down cooking times more specifically by weight and method:

Baking Chicken Breast (375°F)

Grilling Chicken Breast (400°F)

Pan-Searing Chicken Breast

How to Tell When Chicken Breast is Done

Times are great guidelines, but the only foolproof way to know if your chicken is done is by checking the internal temperature. Here’s what you need to know:

• Safe minimum temperature: 165°F (74°C)
• Where to measure: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, away from bone
• Visual cues: Clear (not pink) juices and white (not pink) meat
• Touch test: Properly cooked chicken feels firm but not hard when pressed

I always recommend getting a good meat thermometer – it’s seriously a game-changer for cooking chicken perfectly!

Tips for Juicy, Tender Chicken Breast Every Time

We’ve all had dry, tough chicken breast. Here’s how to avoid that sad outcome:

1. Brine Your Chicken

This is my favorite trick! Brining adds moisture and flavor. Try a simple brine:

• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 gallon water

Soak your chicken for 30-60 minutes before cooking. It makes SUCH a difference!

2. Don’t Overcook

This might seem obvious, but it’s the #1 reason for dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken from heat when it reaches 165°F.

3. Let It Rest

After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat instead of spilling out when you cut it.

4. Tent with Foil

Covering your chicken with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking helps retain moisture. You can also tent it with foil during the resting period.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made all these mistakes before, so learn from my errors!

• Overcrowding the pan: This causes chicken to steam rather than sear, resulting in soggy exteriors
• Not letting chicken come to room temperature: Cold chicken straight from the fridge cooks unevenly
• Cutting into it too soon: Wait at least 5 minutes after cooking before slicing
• Not seasoning enough: Chicken breast needs plenty of seasoning to taste good

FAQs About Cooking Chicken Breast

Can I cook frozen chicken breast?

Yes, but it’ll take about 50% longer than thawed chicken. Increase your oven temperature to 400°F and add 10-15 minutes per pound. However, thawing first will give you more even cooking.

How do I store cooked chicken breast?

Refrigerate cooked chicken breast in airtight containers for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 4 months. Always cool to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat chicken breast without drying it out?

Wrap it in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave it with a damp paper towel covering it. Always reheat to 165°F.

Can I cook chicken breast in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook at 370°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The exact time depends on thickness.

Delicious Chicken Breast Recipes to Try

Now that you know how to cook chicken breast perfectly, here are a couple simple recipes to try:

Juicy Baked Chicken Breast

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 375°F
2. Mix spices in small bowl
3. Brush chicken with olive oil and rub with spice mixture
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound until internal temp reaches 165°F
5. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving

Simple Grilled Chicken Breast

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Mix marinade ingredients and pour over chicken
2. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours)
3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F)
4. Grill chicken for 10-12 minutes per pound, flipping halfway
5. Let rest before serving

Conclusion

Cooking chicken breast to perfection doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is knowing how long to cook it per pound based on your cooking method, and always checking for that magic 165°F internal temperature.

Remember that these cooking times are just guidelines – your actual cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts, your oven’s accuracy, and other factors. When in doubt, use a meat thermometer!

With these tips and techniques, you’ll be serving up perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast every time. No more dry, tough chicken in your house!

What’s your favorite way to prepare chicken breast? Do you have any special tricks for keeping it juicy? I’d love to hear them!