Kitchen answer
How long should you cook chicken breast?
Bake a 6–8 oz boneless chicken breast at 425°F (220°C) for 18–22 minutes, or pan-sear 6–7 minutes per side, until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
What else to know
- Thickness matters more than weight — pound thick breasts to an even 3/4 inch.
- Bone-in breasts take 30–40 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Always rest chicken 5 minutes; the temperature climbs a few more degrees.