Split Chicken Breast

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Many people get intimidated when they read “split chicken breasts,” and although it may seem complicated, it’s typically much easier to prepare than you think.

In essence, a split chicken breast is a chicken breast that still has its skin and bone. You can also call this a bone-in chicken breast.

It’s called split chicken breast because typically, the two breasts connect at the breast bone of a whole chicken, so when you cut them apart, you get “split” breasts.

Even though many people prefer boneless variants, I find the bone-in chicken breasts juicier, and I also love the crispy texture of the skin!

If you’re like me and want to prepare a great baked bone-in chicken breast, make sure to read this page!

There are many chicken breast recipes out there, but when it comes to chicken breasts, I can assure you this is one of the most delicious ones you’ll try out.

Why Should You Prepare Split Chicken Breasts Instead of Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breasts?

It all comes down to preference.

As mentioned before, most people prefer boneless breasts, but if you like chicken skin like me, bone-in chicken breasts can be a great alternative to try out.

Moreover, if you’re a dark meat lover, baking a chicken breast the right way will give you a roasted and tender texture that will remind you of those meats without losing the “white meat” flavor.

The bone will help the whole chicken breast cook evenly, and the chicken skin will help lock in moisture.

Additionally, if you’re looking to save some money, bone-in chicken breasts will be more affordable than boneless ones.

Finally, the bones in chicken breasts add nutritional value to the meat.

The only downside to the split chicken breasts is that the skin tends to be high in fat and calories, but if you don’t mind that, this is an excellent option to consider.

What Ingredients Do You Need to Prepare Split Chicken Breasts?

If you want to change up the seasoning, I recommend you use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

You can also get one medium lemon for more brightness in your flavor.

What Tools Will You Need for Your Baked Chicken Breast w/ Bone-in?

The chances are that you already have everything you need for your baked chicken breast recipe, but let’s go over the tools I use:

• Cast iron skillet (although you can use any other oven-safe skillet you have available)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Expert Tips to Prepare an Amazing Baked Chicken Breast w/ Bone-in

This baked, bone-in chicken breast recipe, by itself, is amazing for most people. However, what I love the most about it is that I can change up the seasonings a bit to switch things up and keep the recipe fresh! Find some more seasoning variations on our Pellet Grill Chicken Breast Recipe!

Different Seasoning

If you, for example, like to have a citric touch in your baked, bone-in chicken breast, you can squeeze half a lemon when you’re seasoning it.

You can also take lemon wedges and arrange them around the chicken before taking it to the oven.

Eating the Skin

Remember you don’t have to eat the skin if you don’t want to. However, you must still roast the chicken with the skin on it if you want that excellent flavor in your chicken meat.

On the contrary, if you love the crispness of the chicken skin, you can take the breast under a broiler to brown it.

Something I should point out is that your baking time can depend on the thickness of your chicken breasts. The thicker the chicken breasts, the longer you may have to bake them.

What Can You Serve with Your Bone-in Chicken Breasts?

I love how versatile baked, bone-in chicken breasts are! There are many different ways to serve this delicious dish, and here are some of my favorites:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Caesar Salads (or any other salads)
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Eggplant Pasta or Pasta al Limone
• Lemon Rice

The potatoes never miss as an excellent complement to baked split chicken breasts. On the other hand, if you’re eating salads and want a bit more protein, then you can add baked split chicken breasts.

As for the rest of the recipes I just mentioned, these cooked chicken breasts pair up nicely with all of them, so I recommend you go for a different option every time to have some variety.

Can You Make This Recipe with a Chicken Thigh Instead of a Chicken Breast?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of bone-in/boneless chicken breasts. In fact, you don’t have to change anything about the recipe.

The only thing I suggest is that you check the internal temperature of your chicken thighs 15 minutes after you start baking, as they can cook faster than baked chicken breasts. If you’re looking for a drumstick recipe instead, try Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks!

Either way, this recipe will give you a great, juicy chicken to enjoy by yourself or with your family and friends.

How Do You Store and Reheat Split Chicken Breasts?

Great news: You can store any leftovers for your tender chicken breasts for later! Here are some things you must keep in mind.

If you want to refrigerate your leftovers, you must get them into an airtight container. Generally speaking, you can store them for up to three days.

Then, when you want to reheat your leftovers, I recommend you get a baking dish and get it in the oven at 350F. You can also use a microwave if you’re short on time.

Finally, if you want to freeze your leftovers. You can do it for up to three months. Make sure you let your chicken breasts thaw overnight in your refrigerator before you reheat them.

Bottom Line

There you have it! You now have a new, excellent recipe you can use to surprise your friends and family.

Remember you’re free to serve this dish with any other recipe you find appropriate.

On the other hand, you can eat your chicken breasts on their own, and they will still provide you with all the flavor and nutrition you need!

This recipe, as I mentioned before, is really versatile, so there’s no need to get bored of it.

All you need to do is switch up the seasoning or companions, and you’re now ready to enjoy a new experience with a juicy chicken with crispy skin.

Personally, I love the addition of carrots, as they’re healthy and add an extra touch of flavor and texture to the overall dish.

However, feel free to remove them or add something else if you feel comfortable.