Last updated on February 18th, 2024 at 02:47 pm
This simple chicken breast in the toaster oven recipe is super tasty and easy to make using chicken, onion, garlic, and salt. It’s takes only 25 minutes
Chicken breast is a versatile and healthy protein that can be prepared quickly and easily in a toaster oven. With just six simple ingredients, you can have a delicious homemade chicken breast dinner on the table any night of the week.
Cooking chicken breast in a toaster oven allows you to achieve tender, juicy results in a fraction of the time it would take in a conventional oven. The condensed heat from the toaster oven sears the outside of the chicken breast beautifully while keeping the inside moist.
With little prep and cleanup, cooking chicken breast in a toaster oven is a great way to make a small-batch dinner for one or two people. The possibilities are endless for seasoning and serving quick chicken breast cooked in a toaster oven.
Chicken Breast in a Toaster Oven Flavor Profile
Tender chicken bathed in herbs and spices crisped to perfection in your countertop oven.
Course: Entree Cuisine: American Servings: 2
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
How to Make Chicken Breast in a Toaster Oven
Before You Start
Achieving juicy, flavorful oven-baked chicken breast relies on a few simple things to remember.
- First, invest in a meat thermometer with a probe to monitor the internal temperature. Knowing exactly when the thickest portion reaches 165°F is the only way to guarantee safely cooked chicken that remains tender and moist.
- Second, resist the urge to overbake. The chicken will continue cooking even after being removed from the oven, so pull it out once the thermometer shows 165°F to avoid overcooking.
- Finally, never skip the resting period. Allowing the chicken to sit for 10 minutes before cutting allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. Skipping this step means the delicious juices end up on the cutting board rather than infused in the chicken.
Equipment
- Toaster oven: ensure it’s clean and preheated to the desired temperature
- Baking tray: Use the tray that comes with your toaster oven or a small baking sheet that fits comfortably inside
Additional tools:
- Meat thermometer: Ensures accurate internal temperature for safe consumption
- Aluminum foil: It can help with cleanup and prevent grease splatters.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ tsp onion powder (aka granulated onion)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (aka granulated garlic)
- 2 pinches finely ground black pepper
- ¼-¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Directions with Step-by-Step Photos
Cooking juicy, flavorful chicken breast in a toaster oven is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to perfect chicken breast in a toaster oven every time.
Step One: Preheat Toaster Oven
Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
Step Two: Mix Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step Three: Prepare Chicken Breasts
Place chicken breasts on a plate and brush both sides with olive oil.
Step Four: Season Chicken Breasts
Sprinkle one side of each chicken breast with half of the salt, then half of the spice mixture. Flip and repeat seasoning on the other side. You’ll bake the chicken top side down.
Step Five: Insert Meat Thermometer
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast, sliding it in from the side. The tip should reach the center.
Step Six: Place Chicken in Toaster Oven
Place the chicken on the pan top side down to promote even browning.
Step Seven: Bake Chicken
Bake according to chicken breast size:
- 5-6 oz pieces: 17-20 minutes
- 6-7 oz pieces: 18-21 minutes
- 8-9 oz pieces: 21-23 minutes
- 10-12 oz pieces: 23-26 minutes
Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step Eight: Let the Chicken Rest
When chicken reaches 165°F, cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moister chicken breast.
Step Nine: Brush with Pan Juices
Drain juices from the pan and brush over the chicken before serving.
Step Ten: Add Sauce and Enjoy
Add your favorite glaze or sauce and enjoy your quick and easy oven-baked chicken breast!
Remember:
- Use at least 1/4 tsp salt per 5-6 oz chicken breast. Increase salt as breast size increases.
- Chicken breasts are safe to eat at 165°F but will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
Nutrition of Chicken Breast
Serving: 2oz | Calories: 191kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1294mg | Potassium: 418mg | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.5mg
Storing Leftover Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, shred dice, or slice the chicken before freezing. Properly frozen chicken breasts will be kept for up to 3 months.
Portioning the chicken into smaller pieces before freezing makes it easier to defrost just what you need for future meals. Simply transfer the frozen chicken pieces directly to a sealed container in the fridge to thaw overnight. Defrosted chicken may also be reheated gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Toaster Oven Chicken Breast
Seared, juicy chicken breast cooked in the toaster oven deserves flavorful accompaniments. Steamed broccoli or green beans make vibrant pairings, adding color and nutrients. Grain bowls with quinoa or brown rice lend substance alongside crisp vegetables. Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes add heartiness and complement the chicken’s simplicity. Don’t forget sauces – herb butter, chimichurri, pesto, or teriyaki add big flavor. With fresh, tasty sides and sauces, your quick-toaster oven chicken becomes a balanced, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.
Conclusion
With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can make juicy, flavorful chicken breast in a toaster oven in under 30 minutes. Following the step-by-step instructions for seasoning, cooking times, and temperature will reward you with tender, moist chicken breast every time.
Cooking chicken breast in a toaster oven is one of the quickest and easiest ways to put a healthy dinner on the table. The intense heat from the toaster oven sears the outside for incredible flavor while keeping the inside remarkably juicy.
Next time you need a fast, delicious homemade dinner, try this chicken breast recipe. In less than half an hour, you can enjoy incredibly tasty chicken breast straight from your toaster oven. Mastering quick and delicious chicken breast in a toaster oven will make this healthy protein an easy dinner option any night of the week.
FAQs about Chicken Breast in a Toaster Oven
Q: What temperature should I cook chicken breast at in a toaster oven?
Answer: 350°F is ideal for baking juicy, tender chicken breast in a toaster oven.
Q: How long does it take to cook chicken breast in a toaster oven?
Answer: Cook times range from 17-26 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F.
Q: Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in my toaster oven?
Answer: Yes, though it will take slightly longer. Increase cook times by 5 minutes for frozen chicken breasts.
Q: Should I flip the chicken breasts halfway through cooking?
Answer: Flipping is not necessary. Cook chicken top side down the entire time for maximum browning and juiciness.
Q: Is parchment paper necessary for cooking chicken in a toaster oven?
Answer: Parchment is recommended for easier cleanup, but not strictly necessary. Grease the pan well if not using parchment.
25 Minutes Toaster Oven Chicken Breast
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- ½ tsp onion powder aka granulated onion
- ¼ tsp garlic powder aka granulated garlic
- 2 pinches finely ground black pepper
- ¼-¾ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Place chicken breasts on a plate and brush both sides with olive oil.
- Sprinkle one side of each chicken breast with half of the salt, then half of the spice mixture. Flip and repeat seasoning on the other side. You’ll bake the chicken top side down.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the largest chicken breast, sliding it in from the side. The tip should reach the center.
- Place the chicken on the pan top side down to promote even browning.
- Bake according to chicken breast size.
- 10-12 oz pieces: 23-26 minutes
- Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- When chicken reaches 165°F, cover with foil and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute for moister chicken breast.
- Drain juices from the pan and brush over the chicken before serving.
- Add your favorite glaze or sauce and enjoy your quick and easy oven-baked chicken breast!
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