If you’re looking for an easy, elegant, and delicious way to prepare chicken for dinner, look no further than this baked split chicken breast recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with minimal prep time, and it’s scalable for any number of servings. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this simple, yet indulgent dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a meal that’s bursting with flavor. You’ll find that this recipe is not only simple to make but also a crowd-pleaser every time.
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How to Make Baked Split Chicken Breast
Making baked split chicken breasts is as simple as it is satisfying. To start, you’ll need large, bone-in chicken breast halves. The bone helps retain moisture, ensuring the chicken stays juicy while baking. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by rubbing the chicken with extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic, which will add richness and depth to the flavor. Then, sprinkle the chicken generously with salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried basil. These seasonings bring a perfect balance of savory and aromatic notes to the chicken.
- Refrigerate for Maximum Flavor: Once the chicken is coated in the seasoning mixture, place it in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and ensures the chicken is infused with a deliciously seasoned base.
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast
Baking split chicken breasts is relatively quick, but you’ll need to ensure that it’s cooked to perfection for the best results. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature is ideal for cooking chicken breasts evenly while keeping the inside moist and tender.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken breasts. The key here is to check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. It should reach 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, check the juices—they should run clear, and there should be no pink at the bone.
- Don’t Forget About Broiling (Optional): For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will give the skin a crispy, golden texture without drying out the meat.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Split Chicken Breast
Once you’ve enjoyed your baked split chicken breasts, you may find yourself with some leftovers. Here’s how to store them to maintain their freshness:
- Refrigerate: If you have leftover chicken, refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Be sure to let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly in grease-proof paper and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Baked chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Ingredients (For 2 Servings)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple and flavorful baked split chicken breast recipe:
- 2 large bone-in chicken breast halves (with skin)
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub each chicken breast with olive oil and minced garlic. Then, evenly sprinkle with salt, pepper, rosemary, and basil.
- Refrigerate: Place the chicken in a dish and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the Chicken: Place the chicken on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake for 45-60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked through, serve it hot and enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy baked chicken breasts.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
This baked split chicken breast recipe is both satisfying and packed with protein. Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown for one serving:
- Calories: Approximately 615
- Fat: 42g
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 55g
Other nutrients include:
- Cholesterol: 150mg (50% of the daily value)
- Sodium: 490mg (21% of the daily value)
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Vitamin C: 2% of the daily value
- Calcium: 2% of the daily value
- Iron: 10% of the daily value
- Potassium: 15% of the daily value
Please note that nutritional information can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, so be sure to consult with a professional if you are following a medically restrictive diet.
FAQs About the Baked Split Chicken Breast Recipe
1- What’s the best way to season split chicken breasts?
To season split chicken breasts, rub them with extra-virgin olive oil and minced garlic. Then, sprinkle salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and dried basil for a perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors. You can also customize the seasoning to your taste by adding other herbs or spices.
2- How long should I refrigerate the chicken before baking?
For optimal flavor, refrigerate the chicken for at least 45 minutes. This resting period allows the seasoning to meld into the meat and enhances the flavor.
3- What’s the correct temperature to bake chicken breasts?
Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
4- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
You can tell the chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast hits 165°F (75°C). You can use an instant-read thermometer to ensure it’s safe to eat. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and there should be no pink at the bone.
5- Can I use boneless chicken breasts for this recipe?
While this recipe specifically uses bone-in chicken breasts, you can use boneless breasts if preferred. However, the cooking time may be shorter, so make sure to check the internal temperature early to avoid overcooking.
6- How do I make the chicken crispy?
To achieve crispy skin, you can broil the chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking. This will crisp up the skin while keeping the chicken moist on the inside.
7- Can I freeze leftover baked chicken breasts?
Yes, you can freeze leftover baked chicken breasts. Wrap them tightly in grease-proof paper and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored for up to three months.
8- How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover baked chicken breasts in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
9- Can I adjust the seasoning for different flavors?
Absolutely! This recipe offers flexibility, allowing you to swap out the rosemary and basil for other herbs or spices like thyme, oregano, or garlic powder. You can even add a little lemon zest for a citrusy kick.
10- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and tasty meal throughout the week.
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This baked split chicken breast recipe is perfect for anyone looking to prepare a flavorful, easy, and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients, quick preparation, and minimal cleanup, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or even a weekend meal when you want something comforting yet impressive. Juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. Give it a try, and discover just how easy it is to elevate your chicken dinners!
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