Cooking chicken breast in a toaster oven is a great way to make a small batch dinner for one or two people. How to keep it moist and juicy inside with a seasoned golden brown outside is here. One of our favorite dinner toaster oven recipes on our site.
How Long to Cook Thin Chicken Breast is explained here in detail but in this small device is a game changer. A healthy protein that serves as a staple in countless recipes. While you might think of your toaster oven as primarily a tool for toasting bread and reheating leftovers, it can actually be an excellent way to cook this meat. (affiliate links present)
Toaster Oven Chicken Breast
Let’s talk about how to prepare and cook chicken breast in a toaster oven, from selecting the best cuts to mastering cooking techniques, and we’ll even share some mouthwatering recipes to inspire your culinary journey.
- When shopping for this meat, always prioritize freshness. Look for plump, moist cuts that have a pinkish hue. Avoid any pieces that appears slimy or has an off-putting odor.
- You can choose boneless, skinless which we recommend here for a lean and quick-cooking option. Bone In Chicken Breast, skin-on tend to be more flavorful and moist but require longer cooking times.
- Opt for chicken breasts that are relatively uniform in thickness. If they vary significantly, you may need to adjust your cooking time to ensure even doneness.
If possible, select from free-range or organic sources for a more natural and flavorful taste. Now the trick to How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in Oven 350 is the lower temperature for a bit longer and flipping halfway so they don’t get to browned.
Chicken in Toaster Oven
Just use the tray that comes with the machine that is solid for this and to make some Garlic Bread in Toaster Oven when it is resting too. Lining it tightly with non stick aluminum foil aids in the cleanup.
- If yours is frozen, ensure it’s thoroughly thawed before cooking. The best way to do this is by placing it in the refrigerator overnight.
- we have shared How to Cook Frozen Chicken Breast on the stove and oven which you can try but in this device it doesn’t work really well.
- Marinating chicken breast or applying seasonings can infuse flavor and tenderness. Consider using ingredients like olive oil or melted butter, garlic, herbs, lemon juice, or your favorite spices.
- Before cooking, pat dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crispy exterior during cooking.
Here we just add simple seasonings but use what you love. If you wanted to make Almond Crusted Chicken that would work too to add texture to the outside but note that it might get overly browned. Covering the top with foil for the first half of the time will help avoid that.
How to Cook Chicken in a Toaster Oven
I think lower and for a longer time is better to keep the insides as moist as possible. Speeding up the process will just dry it out, do’t do it. I would recommend adding some sort of flavoring to the outside like a rub or Herbed Crusted Chicken.
- Set your toaster oven to the appropriate temperature, typically around 350-375°F for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and 375°F for bone-in, skin-on breasts. Preheating ensures even cooking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breast in a baking dish or on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.
- Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast and your toaster oven’s temperature.
- Generally, boneless chicken breasts take around 20-25 minutes, sliced in half like here are closer to 15 minutes, while bone-in ones might need 30 minutes to 40.
- you could spread some Mexican Mayonnaise on the top during the last 5 minutes with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for over the top yum
To ensure your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast, and internal temperature should register 165 degrees F. Alternatively, make a small cut near the center to check if the juices run clear.
Toaster Oven Chicken Breast Recipes
What to Cook with Chicken Breast is a lot and up to you. We have a lot of ideas here in this linked post that you can look at.
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh herbs (like rosemary and thyme), salt, and pepper for a zesty Mediterranean Chicken Marinade. Roast in your toaster oven until golden brown and fragrant.
- Create a simple glaze with honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper like we do with our Toaster Oven Hot Dogs. Brush it onto the before roasting for a sweet and savory flavor explosion.
- Mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Coat your chicken breasts with this mixture for a crispy and cheesy crust.
- Marinate in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Roast until it’s caramelized and irresistibly flavorful.
After cooking, allow pieces to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, resulting in a more tender and succulent bite. To avoid overcooking or undercooking, invest in a reliable meat thermometer. It’s a kitchen tool that can make a world of difference in achieving perfectly cooked chicken.
This is super easy and fast compared to oven baked chicken breast. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and marinades. Try different combinations of herbs, spices, and sauces to find your signature flavor. These go well with a wide range of sides, from roasted vegetables to salads, rice, or pasta.
Cooking chicken AND dessert like Toaster Oven Cookies is a convenient, efficient, and delicious way to enjoy this versatile protein. By selecting the right cuts, mastering cooking techniques, and experimenting with seasonings, you can savor mouthwatering chicken breast dishes in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, your toaster oven can be a valuable tool in your kitchen.
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Chicken Breast in a Toaster Oven
Equipment
- 1 toaster oven + tray that comes with it.
Ingredients
- 1-2 chicken breasts sliced in half widthwise is best, boneless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp seasoned salt or salt free Mrs. Dash mixture to add flavor
Instructions
- Wrap toaster oven tray with non stick aluminum foil. Slide into lowest rack inside and preheat machine to 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
- Best is to slice breast in half widthwise so it is half as thick, boneless. Blot with paper towels and brush olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with seasonings and place on to tray without overlapping them.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes if sliced in half or 30-35 minutes if left whole, turn over halfway thru. ** Timing will vary depending on the thickness of your pieces and/or if there is a bone inside or not.
- Cook until thickest part registers a safe 165 degrees F inside, remove, allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.