How to Cook Chicken Breasts to Use in a Casserole

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts

  • Shallow baking dish (with lid)

  • Salt and pepper

  • Meat thermometer

  • Cutting board

  • Chef’s knife

Correctly prepare chicken breasts to add to a casserole.

When you wish to add chicken to a casserole, often a recipe calls for cooked chicken. This means you must cook the chicken first before assembling the casserole ingredients. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends cooking chicken until it has an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. After thoroughly cooking the chicken breasts, prepare the casserole according to your recipe.

Advertisement

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the chicken.

Step 3

Cover the baking dish and place it into the oven.

Step 4

Bake the chicken for about 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 5

Check the temperature of the chicken with the meat thermometer. Insert the tip of the thermometer into the thickest portion of the largest breast. If the temperature is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, remove the chicken from the oven. If the temperature is under the minimum, continue cooking the chicken until it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Advertisement

Step 6

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Take off the lid and allow the chicken to cool to a temperature where you can handle it easily.

Step 7

Transfer the chicken breasts to the cutting board after they cool. Cut the chicken up into bite-size pieces -- about 1-inch pieces.

Step 8

Add the chicken to the casserole with the other ingredients.

Advertisement

Video of the Day