Chicken breast cooking times
How long to cook chicken breasts: 20–25 min in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 16–20 min in an air fryer at 180°C, 6–7 min per side pan-fried and 8–10 min per side under the grill. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook chicken breasts
Times are for boneless, skinless breasts of about 180 g each.
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven | 20–25 min | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Brushed with oil and seasoned. Skin-on, bone-in breasts take 35–40 minutes at 190°C. |
| Air fryer | 16–20 min | 180°C (350°F) | Brushed with oil; turn halfway. |
| Pan-fry | 6–7 min per side | over a medium heat | In a little oil, turning once. Butterflied or flattened breasts take 3–4 minutes per side. |
| Grill | 8–10 min per side | under a medium-hot grill | Brushed with oil. |
| Barbecue | 6–8 min per side | over medium direct heat | Flattened or butterflied, with the lid down. |
| Poach | 12–15 min | in barely simmering stock or water | Cover the breasts, bring to a simmer, then keep it just below a simmer. |
| Slow cooker | 3–4 hours | on low | In a sauce or stock. 2–3 hours on high. Longer makes them dry. |
| Pressure cooker | 8–10 min | on high pressure | With 250 ml stock; natural release for 5 minutes. |
Also see: Chicken cooking time (whole chicken and chicken pieces).
Before you start
For even cooking, bash the thick end with a rolling pin to an even thickness, about 2 cm, or butterfly it.
How to tell it’s done
Firm and white all the way through, with clear juices.
Food safety: Cook until it reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part, with no pink meat and clear juices.
Tip: Take breasts out at about 72°C and rest them for 5 minutes under foil: they reach 74°C and stay juicy.
Questions
How long to cook chicken breasts in the oven?
20–25 min at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Brushed with oil and seasoned. Skin-on, bone-in breasts take 35–40 minutes at 190°C.
How long to cook chicken breasts in an air fryer?
16–20 min at 180°C (350°F). Brushed with oil; turn halfway.
How long to pan-fry chicken breasts?
6–7 min per side over a medium heat. In a little oil, turning once. Butterflied or flattened breasts take 3–4 minutes per side.
How long to grill chicken breasts?
8–10 min per side under a medium-hot grill. Brushed with oil.
How long to barbecue chicken breasts?
6–8 min per side over medium direct heat. Flattened or butterflied, with the lid down.
How long to poach chicken breasts?
12–15 min in barely simmering stock or water. Cover the breasts, bring to a simmer, then keep it just below a simmer.
How long to cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker?
3–4 hours on low. In a sauce or stock. 2–3 hours on high. Longer makes them dry.
How long to cook chicken breasts in a pressure cooker?
8–10 min on high pressure. With 250 ml stock; natural release for 5 minutes.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.