Perfectly Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breasts: Timing And Techniques

Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for a juicy, flavourful meal. The bone helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps the meat tender, while the skin locks in moisture. This cut of chicken is also a more budget-friendly option, as it is usually cheaper than boneless chicken breasts.

When it comes to roasting bone-in chicken breasts, the cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the meat. On average, bone-in chicken breasts will take between 35 to 55 minutes to cook in an oven set at around 350 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer – the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now that we've covered the basics, let's get into some tips and tricks for roasting the perfect bone-in chicken breast!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for roasting bone-in chicken breasts depend on the desired level of doneness and the specific oven being used. However, here are some general guidelines and tips to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly:

Temperature

Roasting bone-in chicken breasts at a higher temperature, such as 400°F to 450°F, is recommended. This helps to ensure even heat distribution and prevents the chicken from drying out. The high temperature also allows you to achieve a crispy skin, which is a desirable feature of roasted chicken.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, bone-in chicken breasts will take between 35 to 55 minutes to cook thoroughly. It is important to note that bone-in chicken may take longer to cook than boneless chicken, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring it is not touching the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat. Additionally, you can look for visual cues such as clear juices running from the chicken and tender flesh with no pink colour remaining at the bone.

Customization

If you prefer your chicken with a crispy skin, consider placing it under the broiler for a few minutes after roasting. This will give it a golden, crispy finish.

Tips for Success

• Allow your oven to preheat to the desired temperature before placing the chicken inside.
• Use a shallow roasting pan or baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Season your chicken generously with herbs, spices, salt, and pepper to enhance flavour.
• For a complete meal, roast vegetables or potatoes alongside your chicken, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
• Always allow your chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving or shredding.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can ensure your roasted bone-in chicken breasts turn out juicy, tender, and flavourful every time.

How to store and reheat

Bone-in chicken breasts are a versatile and lean source of protein that can be used in anything from soup to enchiladas. However, when it comes to reheating chicken breasts, there is a risk of drying them out.

Storing

When storing your chicken, use an airtight container or tightly wrap the chicken in foil or plastic wrap. This will keep your chicken fresh for up to three to four days in the refrigerator.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat bone-in chicken breasts:

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a small amount of water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. Cover the chicken with aluminium foil and bake for at least 10 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F.
• Stovetop: For boneless, skinless breasts, heat a small amount of water or chicken broth in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cover with a lid. Heat until the chicken is warmed through, turning occasionally, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast registers 165°F. This should take about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces and place them in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water or chicken broth, cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, and heat in one-minute increments until the chicken is warmed through to 165°F.

It is important to note that chicken should only be reheated once, so only reheat the amount you need. Additionally, the quality of the chicken decreases each time it is reheated, so it is best to use other methods if possible.

The benefits of bone-in chicken

Bone-in chicken breasts are a great option for a tasty, nutritious meal. Here are some benefits of choosing bone-in chicken:

More Even Cooking

The bone helps to distribute heat more evenly throughout the meat, reducing the risk of overcooking or drying out the chicken. This results in juicy, tender chicken breasts that are full of flavour.

Added Nutrients

Bones are a good source of various minerals, collagen, and amino acids. They contain micronutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium, which are essential for our bodies to function properly. Bone marrow, a fatty substance found in bones, is also released during cooking, boosting the nutrient density of the meat.

Gut Health

Bone-in chicken is rich in collagen, gelatin, and glycine, which are important for gut health and reducing inflammation in the body. Consuming these nutrients from whole foods like bone-in chicken is considered more beneficial than taking supplements.

Cost-Effective and Sustainable

Bone-in chicken is often cheaper than boneless chicken breasts, giving you more value for your money. Additionally, choosing bone-in meat supports sustainability by using more of the animal and reducing waste.

Enhanced Flavour

Bones add a ton of flavour to your meal. The marrow and other substances from the bones infuse the meat with a rich, succulent taste that boneless cuts lack.

Recipe Flexibility

Bone-in chicken breasts are incredibly versatile. You can season them with your favourite herbs and spices, or use them in a variety of dishes like salads, sandwiches, casseroles, and more.

Cooking Tips

To roast bone-in chicken breasts, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). This helps the interior cook quickly and prevents drying out. Cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken breasts, but it typically ranges from 35 to 60 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Remember to let your chicken rest for a few minutes after roasting, and then enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

How to prepare the chicken

Ingredients

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic
• Dried rosemary
• Dried basil
• Lemon

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (190°C).
• Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels.
• In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic, dried rosemary, dried basil, and the zest of the lemon.
• Brush the mixture liberally over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
• Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice from one half over the chicken.
• Cut the remaining lemon half into wedges and tuck them around and slightly under the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
• Sprinkle the tops of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not touching.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• For optimal results, bake the chicken breasts until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, as the temperature will continue to rise by a few degrees while resting.
• You can also brine the chicken breasts for 2-4 hours before cooking to make them even juicier.
• If you prefer crispier skin, place the chicken under the broiler for 2 minutes after baking.

What to serve with the chicken

Now that you've got the timings down for roasting your bone-in chicken breast, it's time to think about what to serve alongside it. Here are some ideas:

Pasta

A great way to bulk out your meal is to add your chicken to a pasta dish. Try something like Eggplant Pasta or Pasta al Limone for a tasty, filling meal.

Rice

Chicken and rice is always a winning combination. Why not try serving your chicken with a lemony rice dish?

Salad

If you're looking for something a little lighter, you could add your chicken to a salad. Try an Arugula Salad or something with a little more protein, like a Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad.

Vegetables

There are lots of vegetables that go well with chicken. Try serving your chicken with Sauteed Brussels Sprouts, Sauteed Carrots, Grilled Asparagus, or Grilled Brussels Sprouts.

Potatoes

For a classic roast dinner, you could serve your chicken with roast potatoes. Or, if you're looking for something a little more low-maintenance, baked potatoes are a great option that can be cooked at the same time as your chicken.

Homemade Bread

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try making some homemade bread to go with your chicken. A simple white loaf or some dinner rolls would be delicious.

Green Salad

A simple green salad with a homemade vinaigrette would also go well with your chicken.

Stuffing

If you're feeling extra hungry, why not make some stuffing to go with your chicken? A traditional bread-based stuffing or a wild rice stuffing would be delicious.

Gravy

No roast dinner is complete without some gravy! Make a simple chicken gravy or try something a little more exotic, like a red wine or mushroom gravy.

There you have it! Plenty of ideas to get you started. Happy cooking!

Frequently asked questions