Split chicken breasts, also known as bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, are a versatile and flavorful option for home cooking. Their natural fat from the skin and bone adds richness and moisture, making them more forgiving to cook than boneless cuts.
This collection of recipes showcases the best ways to cook split chicken breasts, highlighting their ability to take on bold marinades, develop crispy skin, and remain juicy throughout the cooking process. So, grab your favorite skillet, fire up the oven or grill, and let’s explore some of the most delicious and easy-to-make split chicken breast recipes.
Oven-baked split chicken breasts are an easy and foolproof way to get perfectly cooked chicken. Baking at the right temperature and for the right amount of time is key to getting juicy meat with crispy skin.
Grilling Split Chicken Breasts
Grilling split chicken breasts can give them a fantastic smoky flavor and crispy skin. However, there are some tips to ensure they don’t dry out or overcook.
Tips on Grilling Split Chicken Breasts:
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F / 190°C to 200°C).
- Oil the Grill Grates: Use a brush or oil-soaked paper towel to grease the grill grates. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill, skin-side down, for 6-8 minutes to get crispy, golden skin. Flip and continue grilling the other side for another 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F / 74°C. If you’re unsure, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it’s cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Just like when roasting, rest the chicken after grilling for about 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Tricks
How to Get Crispy Skin on Chicken Breasts
The key to crispy skin on split chicken breasts is moisture control.
- Leave the Skin On: Always cook split chicken breasts with the skin on. The skin acts as a barrier that locks in moisture and helps create a crispy, flavorful crust when cooked.
- Pat the Skin Dry: Before cooking, use paper towels to pat the skin as dry as possible. The drier the skin, the crispier it will become during cooking.
- Use High Heat: Roasting or grilling at a high temperature (around 400°F to 425°F / 200°C to 220°C) will help render the fat from the skin, making it crispy.
- Oil or Butter the Skin: Lightly rub the skin with oil or melted butter. This not only helps the skin crisp up but also enhances flavor.
- Don’t Cover with Foil: When roasting, avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps moisture and prevents the skin from crisping up.
How to Season Split Chicken Breasts for Maximum Flavor
Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the best flavor in split chicken breasts.
- Season Under the Skin: Gently lift the skin and rub seasoning directly onto the meat. This allows the seasoning to penetrate and flavor the chicken from the inside out.
- Season the Skin: Rub the skin with olive oil, butter, or a dry rub to help achieve a crispy, golden crust. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Use Marinades for Extra Flavor: Marinating the chicken in a mix of oil, acid (like lemon juice or vinegar), and herbs/spices can infuse the chicken with extra flavor. For best results, marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Herbs and Spices: Popular seasonings include garlic, thyme, rosemary, paprika, or chili flakes for added heat. Don’t forget to balance savory and sweet (such as honey or brown sugar for a glaze).
Bone-In Chicken Cooking Time
The cooking time for bone-in chicken depends on the cooking method and thickness of the chicken.
- Grilling: For split chicken breasts on the grill, cook for about 20-25 minutes total, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
- Roasting: When roasting bone-in chicken breasts in the oven at 425°F / 220°C, it typically takes 40-50 minutes to reach 165°F / 74°C internally.
- Baking: Baking at 400°F / 200°C will take about 35-45 minutes depending on the size of the chicken breasts. Always check with a thermometer.
- Slow Cooking: If using a slow cooker, cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C.
How Long To Cook Bone-in Split Chicken Breast
The cooking time for bone-in split chicken breast depends on the cooking method and temperature. Here’s a guide:
Oven (Baked)
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 35-45 minutes
- Check Doneness: Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part.
Air Fryer
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Time: 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway
- Check Doneness: 165°F (75°C) internal temp
Stovetop (Pan-Seared & Oven-Finished)
- Sear in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes per side
- Transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20-30 minutes
Grill
- Temperature: Medium heat (~375°F)
- Time: 30-40 minutes, flipping occasionally
- Check Doneness: 165°F (75°C) internal temp
Oven-Baked BBQ Split Chicken Breasts
This Oven-Baked Barbecue Chicken recipe offers a delicious, no-grill option for BBQ lovers. The chicken is marinated in a homemade barbecue sauce made with ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and spices, then baked on a bed of onions to add moisture and flavor. After baking until golden, the chicken is brushed with reserved sauce and broiled to achieve crispy skin and a thick, caramelized coating. It’s perfect for any weather and pairs well with sides like sweet potato fries or garlicky kale.
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Baked Split Chicken Breast
The bone-in chicken breasts are rubbed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, dried rosemary, and basil, then marinated for at least 45 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. After preheating the oven to 375°F, the chicken is baked for about 45-60 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring the meat is juicy and tender.
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Juicy Pan Roasted Bone-in Split Chicken Breasts
This Roasted Bone-In Chicken Breast recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties. The chicken breasts are seasoned with a blend of kosher salt, garlic powder, and black pepper, then seared skin-side down to achieve a golden brown crust. After roasting in a 350°F oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, the chicken reaches a juicy, tender texture. The dish is finished with a tangy lemon butter pan sauce, infused with fresh rosemary and parsley.
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Chicken Souvlaki with Grilled Pita
This Greek-inspired chicken souvlaki with tzatziki sauce and grilled pita is a flavorful and fresh dish. The chicken is marinated in a blend of dill, garlic, lemon juice, and seasonings, then cooked until tender. A creamy tzatziki sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, and dill complements the juicy chicken. Homemade pita bread is grilled until soft and pliable, then assembled with the chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
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Tuscan Chicken and Mushroom Skillet
This one-pan Tuscan chicken skillet is packed with flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it an easy yet impressive meal. Juicy, bone-in chicken breasts are seared until golden, then combined with sautéed cremini mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, white beans, and fresh rosemary. Garlic and a splash of chicken broth add depth, ensuring the dish remains tender and flavorful as it bakes. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, allowing the chicken’s natural juices to infuse the vegetables and beans with even more flavor. Serve in shallow bowls to soak up the delicious sauce.
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Blackened Chicken with Creamy Angel Hair Pasta
This Blackened Chicken with Creamy Angel Hair Pasta is a flavorful dish featuring tender, spice-rubbed chicken served over a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce with angel hair pasta and broccoli. The chicken is coated in a smoky, slightly spicy seasoning, quickly seared for a deep crust, and finished in the oven. Meanwhile, the pasta is cooked until al dente and tossed in a velvety sauce made from heavy cream, milk, egg yolk, and Parmesan. The dish is finished with juicy diced tomatoes, crunchy sourdough breadcrumbs, and extra cheese for a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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One-Pan Braised Chicken with Soy Sauce and Tomatoes
This one-pot dish combines the depth of soy sauce with the natural sweetness of tomatoes, creating a rich and flavorful braise. Bone-in, skin-on chicken is marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, hot mustard, butter, and vinegar, infusing it with bold flavors. As it roasts in the oven, the chicken becomes golden and tender, while the tomatoes soften and release their juices, forming a savory sauce. Served with steamed rice or toasted bread.
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