How Long to Cook a Chicken Breast

Pan-seared, poached, grilled, roasted, or stir-fried, chicken breasts are our cooking go-to no matter how they’re cooked. The sheer versatility and mild flavor of the meat makes them ideal for a variety of dishes, from fried chicken sandwiches to chicken enchiladas. The quick-cooking, tender white meat can be marinated in advance or simply sprinkled with seasoning just before cooking. Here’s how to cook chicken breasts perfectly every time. 

How long does it take to cook chicken breasts in the oven?

Chicken breasts cook quickly so it can be difficult when roasting to get a nice golden brown exterior before the meat is overcooked and dry. The solution — sear the chicken on the stove first and then transfer the skillet to the oven. Be sure to use an oven-safe skillet for searing so it can go straight from stove to oven. This method works well for skinless breasts as well as skin-on breasts like these Apple Cider-Glazed Chicken Breasts. Once in the oven, the chicken will be done in eight to twelve minutes for boneless breasts or twelve to fifteen minutes for bone-in breasts.

How long does it take to cook chicken breasts in the air fryer?

An air fryer is a great option for cooking chicken breasts because it preheats quickly and doesn’t require constant monitoring like pan-searing. Essentially a miniature convection oven, the air fryer circulates hot air around the chicken giving it a golden exterior and juicy center, like these smoked paprika-rubbed chicken breasts. Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts will cook in about nine minutes while smaller chicken breasts will be done in six or seven minutes. Bone-in chicken breasts will take slightly longer — start checking them after about 11 minutes. 

How long does it take to cook chicken breasts on the stove?

Use medium-low to medium heat when cooking chicken breasts on the stove. While the direct heat makes browning a breeze, too high of a temperature will cause the chicken to brown too much before the center is cooked through. Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (like the ones in this Chicken Breasts with White Wine Pan Sauce) will cook in about 30 minutes while smaller chicken breasts will be done in twenty to twenty-five minutes. For even cooking, don’t crowd the skillet and be sure to flip the chicken breasts halfway through the cook time. 

How long does it take to cook chicken breasts on the grill?

A two-zone grill set up, with one lit side and one unlit side, works best for grilling chicken breasts (like these Berber-Spiced ones). Cook the chicken over the unlit side of the grill, covered, until almost cooked through, about 30 minutes for bone-in breasts or twenty minutes for boneless breasts. Then sear the chicken over the hot side of the grill until browned, about two minutes. 

What temperature should chicken breasts be cooked to?

No matter the cooking method, avoid dry meat by removing the chicken from the heat once the internal temperature on an instant read thermometer registers 160°F. Let the chicken breast rest for five minutes. During that time, the juices in the meat will redistribute and the internal temperature will climb to 165°F, which is the temperature recommended by the USDA. That short rest means you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time.