As a busy parent, finding a tasty and healthy meal can be tough. But cooking bone in chicken breasts can change your dinner game. These cuts are not only cheaper than boneless, skinless ones. They also bring a rich flavor and juiciness that everyone will love.
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What Are Bone-In Chicken Breasts?
Bone-in chicken breasts, also known as split chicken breasts, are a favorite. They keep the bone and skin for extra flavor and juiciness. These breasts are sold whole, split into two halves, with bone and skin still on.
They cost less than boneless, skinless chicken breasts per pound. The bone and skin add great taste and make the meat tender. Even though they take longer to roast, the bone helps cook the meat evenly.
Kosher chicken, made under Kashrut laws, is known for its rich flavor. You can shred leftover bone-in chicken breasts for wraps, salads, and quesadillas.
Split Chicken Breasts – Bone-In, Skin-On
Split chicken breasts are two halves of a whole breast. They have the bone and skin, making them juicy and flavorful. The crispy skin adds a nice touch.
Benefits of Cooking Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Choosing bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts offers great benefits. The bone and skin together make the meat flavorful and juicy. This is harder to get with boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Why Skin-On Split Chicken Breasts?
The skin on chicken breasts protects the meat from heat. As it cooks, fat melts, keeping the meat moist. The bone also helps distribute heat evenly, ensuring the meat cooks well.
Even though bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts take longer to roast, the result is worth it. You’ll get juicier chicken breast with bone. It’s full of the benefits of bone in chicken breast and the why use skin on chicken breast.
| Chicken Breast Comparison | Boneless, Skinless | Bone-In, Skin-On |
|---|---|---|
| Protein (3 oz serving) | 26g | 25g |
| Calories (3 oz serving) | 128 | 166 |
| Fat (3 oz serving) | 2.7g | 6.6g |
| Cooking Time | Quicker | Longer |
| Flavor/Juiciness | Less | More |
| Cost | More Expensive | Less Expensive |
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts have more calories and fat. But, they offer juicier chicken breast with bone. The extra time in the oven is worth it for the amazing flavor and texture.
Preparing bone in chicken breast
Preparing bone-in chicken breasts for a delicious dinner is easy. Start by taking the chicken out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the chicken cook evenly.
Then, trim off any extra skin or fat from the chicken. This makes the meat cook better and prevents the skin from getting too crispy. After trimming, dry the chicken with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick to the skin.
- Remove chicken breasts from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Trim away any excess skin and fat from the ends and edges of the chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels
Now, it’s time to season the chicken. Rub a flavorful spice blend under the skin. This adds flavor to the meat. Then, coat the outside with olive oil or melted butter.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Cooking Time | 30-60 minutes |
| Internal Temperature | 165°F |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories per Serving | 436 kcal |
With the chicken prepped and seasoned, it’s ready to cook. You can pan-sear, bake, or slow cook it. Just make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s juicy and tender.
“Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are mentioned to yield the best results for roast chicken dinner.”
How to Cook Split Chicken Breasts
Cooking bone-in chicken breasts is tasty and budget-friendly. You can bake or pan sear them for juicy, flavorful chicken. Here’s how to prepare and cook this versatile chicken cut.
Seasoning the Chicken
Start by mixing spices in a bowl. Use garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make a pocket in the chicken, but don’t remove the skin.
Season the meat with the spice mix. Then, put the skin back and drizzle with olive oil.
Searing and Roasting
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, until it’s golden brown. This step makes the crust crispy and flavorful.
Flip the chicken and season both sides with the spice blend. Put the skillet in a 350°F oven, skin-side up. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the meat is 165°F.
Resting and Serving
Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This makes the meat tender and juicy. Serve it hot and enjoy your delicious chicken!
The bone-in, skin-on cut is full of flavor. It also cooks evenly, making the meat moist. With these tips, you can cook bone in chicken breast and bake bone in chicken breast at home.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Preparing delicious bone-in chicken breasts is easier with a few tips. Start by letting the chicken warm up to room temperature. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Use this time to trim off any extra skin and fat.
Next, dry the chicken breasts with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispy during cooking. Then, season the meat by rubbing a spice blend under the skin. This way, the flavor goes deep into the meat.
Finally, let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. By following these tips for cooking bone in chicken breast, you’ll get juicy, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
How to Prep Bone-In Chicken Breast
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking
- Trim away extra skin and fat from ends and edges of the meat
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels
- Season meat under the skin with your desired spice blend
- Allow seasoned chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes
“Allowing the chicken to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes helps the meat cook more evenly and ensures a juicy, flavorful result.”
Recommended Cookware
Choosing the right cookware is crucial for cooking bone-in chicken breasts. Look for an oven-safe pan that works well on the stovetop and in the oven. Cast iron skillets or stainless steel pans are top picks.
If your cookware isn’t dual-purpose, no worries. Sear the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. Then, move it to a roasting pan or baking dish for oven cooking. Remember to scrape up browned bits for a tasty pan sauce.
The Best Pans for Bone-In Chicken Breasts
- Cast iron skillet – Excellent for even cooking due to its heat retention.
- Stainless steel pan – Durable and safe for the oven, ideal for searing and roasting.
- Roasting pan or baking dish – Perfect for oven cooking, especially if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
Choosing the right oven safe pan is key. It ensures your bone in chicken breast cooks perfectly every time.
Cooking Time and Temperature
To get juicy, perfectly cooked bone-in chicken breasts, cook them until they hit 165°F inside. This stops the meat from getting too dry. If your oven cooks too fast, check the how long to bake bone in chicken breast after 25 minutes. Adjust the time to keep the chicken moist.
Preheat your oven to 350°F for the best results. Roast the bone in chicken breast temperature for 25-30 minutes, until it’s 165°F inside. Convection ovens might need 20-25 minutes. Make sure to flatten the thicker end for even cooking.
| Cut of Chicken | Oven Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bone-In Chicken Breast | 350°F | 25-30 minutes |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast | 325°F | 20-25 minutes |
Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. This ensures it’s 165°F, making your how long to bake bone in chicken breast juicy and perfect every time.
“Cooking the chicken just until it reaches that internal temp of 165°F ensures it doesn’t overcook and become dry.”
Resting the Chicken
After your bone-in chicken breasts roast, let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is key for tender and flavorful resting bone in chicken breast.
Once the chicken is out of the oven, cover it loosely with foil. This keeps the meat warm and lets the juices redistribute. When you slice it, you’ll get a moist bone in chicken breast.
Use this time to make a pan sauce with the drippings. The why rest chicken after cooking is to let the juices settle back into the meat. This makes the chicken incredibly juicy and tender.
“Allowing the chicken to rest is the secret to a juicy, perfectly cooked bone-in chicken breast.”
Resting the bone in chicken breast makes your meal moist and delicious. Don’t rush to slice it. The extra 5-10 minutes are worth the wait.
Storing Leftovers
Bone-in chicken breasts make great leftovers. After enjoying your meal, it’s key to store leftover chicken right. This keeps it fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how to store leftover bone-in chicken breast:
- Put any extra chicken in an airtight container or zip-top bag.
- Keep the chicken in the fridge for 3-4 days. Cooked chicken should go in the fridge within two hours of cooking to stop bacteria growth.
- To store it longer, freeze the cooked chicken for up to 4 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating or using in other dishes.
Watch the leftover chicken for signs of spoilage. Look for gray or green color, mold, bad smell, or sliminess. If it’s spoiled, throw it away to avoid getting sick. Storing your leftover bone-in chicken breast right ensures you can enjoy it safely for days.
“Cooked chicken can last in the fridge between three and four days.”
Remember, how long does cooked bone-in chicken breast last depends on how you store and handle it. By following these tips, you can make your leftover chicken last longer and cut down on waste.
Side Dish Pairings
When you serve a juicy, flavorful bone-in chicken breast, the right side dish makes all the difference. Options range from roasted garlic mashed potatoes to grilled asparagus with anchovy breadcrumbs. Let’s look at some delicious side dishes that go great with bone-in chicken breast.
For a classic taste, try making French onion green bean casserole. The caramelized onions and crispy breadcrumbs pair well with the chicken. Another creamy choice is the asiago spinach casserole, which is rich and indulgent.
For a lighter option, baked hasselback sweet potatoes or roasted rainbow carrots are vibrant and healthy. For a herbal twist, rosemary parmesan roasted baby potatoes are a great choice.
Choosing the right side dish is key to enhancing the flavors of your bone-in chicken breast. By pairing your chicken with the perfect sides, you’ll create a meal that everyone will love.
“The secret to a great meal is in the perfect pairing of the main dish and the sides. With bone-in chicken breast, the possibilities are endless!”
Conclusion
Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts are tasty and affordable. They become tender and flavorful when cooked right. By searing, seasoning, and roasting the bone in chicken breast, you get crispy skin and juicy meat.
With the right tips, these juicy bone in chicken breast make a great meal for everyone. This guide has all you need to cook bone in chicken breast perfectly. You can choose from dry brine, wet brine, or marinade for a delicious dish.
Next time you want a tasty meal, try bone in chicken breast. Follow these tips for a mouthwatering dish. With a bit of prep and care, you’ll have the perfect juicy bone in chicken breast ready to enjoy.