Reading this discussion, it appeared that the "dire consequences" of using a breadboard needed to be quantified.

I got out one of my fairly common (AP Circuits) breadboards, and my AADE "LC-meter IIB" and gave it a whirl.

2.5 to 3.0 pF between adjacent 5-pin groups.
4.5 pF from 5-pin group to backplate (if it's metal).
6.8 pF between supply rails.

This explains why every microcontroller project I've ever built on a breadboard has worked perfectly. (12 MHz and less, of course).