Cooking chicken can seem intimidating Undercook it, and you risk food poisoning Overcook it, and you’ll end up with dry, flavorless meat. However, baking chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a foolproof method for getting perfectly cooked chicken every time. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master baking chicken at 350 degrees, from ideal cook times to techniques for maximizing moisture and flavor.
Overview of Baking Chicken at 350 Degrees
Baking chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal because it’s hot enough to cook the chicken through while still retaining moisture and tenderness. The exact baking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken but a few general guidelines are
- Boneless chicken breasts: 20-30 minutes
- Bone-in chicken pieces like thighs: 30-45 minutes
- Whole chickens: Approximately 20-25 minutes per pound
The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of determining doneness.
While time and temperature are crucial, properly preparing the chicken before baking also plays a big role. Steps like patting it dry, oiling the skin, seasoning generously, and arranging the pieces carefully will all promote even cooking and delicious flavor.
Read on for more details on perfecting your chicken baking skills.
Choosing Your Chicken Pieces
You can use a whole chicken that has been cut up or separate pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc. when baking chicken at 350 degrees. The choice depends on your recipe and preferences. Here are a few notes on each option:
Whole Chicken: Provides an array of white and dark meat. When you cut up a whole chicken, the lean breasts and fattier thighs or legs cook at the same time. Figure 20-25 minutes per pound.
Boneless Breasts: Quick cooking and easy to portion. Look for breasts of similar size so they cook evenly. Bake for 20-30 minutes.
Bone-in Thighs/Drumsticks: More flavorful with moist, tender meat. Bake bone-in for 30-45 minutes.
Wings: Ideal for snacks or appetizers. Bake for 25-40 minutes based on size.
Pick fresh chicken that doesn’t smell bad no matter what cut it is. Organic and free-range chickens generally have superior flavor.
Prepping the Chicken for Baking
Proper prep before baking is key. Follow these steps:
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Pat Dry: Blot chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture that can inhibit browning.
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Coat in Oil: Brush lightly with oil (olive, avocado, etc.) to keep the meat juicy.
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Season Generously: Coat all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, etc.
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Allow Marinating Time: Let chicken marinate in sauce, citrus, or buttermilk for added flavor.
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Arrange Evenly: Make sure chicken pieces are spaced apart on a baking sheet or pan.
Taking the time to prep the chicken prevents it from drying out and gives you control over the final flavor.
Helpful Equipment for Baking Chicken
Having the right tools makes baking chicken easier and more foolproof:
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Meat Thermometer: Crucial for determining when the chicken is safely cooked through.
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Instant Read Thermometer: For quick temperature checks.
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Oven Thermometer: Ensures your oven is accurately hitting 350 degrees.
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Sheet Pans: Nonstick and/or rimmed provide ample air circulation.
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Wire Racks: Promote airflow and prevent simmering in juices.
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Kitchen Shears: Handy for cutting up whole chickens.
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Basting Brush: Helps distribute oil/sauces evenly over the chicken.
Investing in a few quality pieces of equipment takes the guesswork out of baking chicken to juicy perfection.
Baking Time Chart for Chicken Pieces
While a meat thermometer is the best way to assess doneness, here is a general time chart for baking common chicken pieces at 350 degrees:
- Boneless breasts: 20-30 minutes
- Bone-in breasts: 30-40 minutes
- Boneless thighs: 20-25 minutes
- Bone-in thighs: 30-40 minutes
- Drumsticks: 35-45 minutes
- Wings: 20-40 minutes (depends on size)
- Whole chicken: 20-25 minutes per pound
The thickness of the breasts and exact oven temperature will affect times. Begin checking about 5 minutes early and adjust bake time accordingly.
Techniques for Moist, Flavorful Chicken
Beyond temperature and time, certain techniques promote deliciously juicy and well-seasoned chicken:
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Tent Foil: Covering the baking pan with foil for some of the cooking time steams the chicken and locks in moisture.
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Rotate Pans: Switch the placement of pans midway through baking to ensure even cooking in hot spots.
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Baste: Brush chicken with pan juices, olive oil, melted butter, or other sauce to impart moisture and flavor.
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Let Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest 5-10 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
Mastering these simple methods will take your baked chicken from dry and bland to tender and bursting with flavor.
How to Tell If Chicken Is Done
Checking for doneness is crucial for avoiding undercooked, unsafe chicken. Here’s how to be sure it’s ready:
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Temperature: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast/thigh. It should reach 165 degrees internally.
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Color: The chicken should be opaque all the way through with no pink or red. But color alone doesn’t guarantee safety.
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Juices: Cut into the chicken and check that the juices run clear rather than red/pink when the meat is pierced.
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Texture: The meat should feel firm when pressed.
Taking the temperature and then double checking with other visual cues ensures your chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with subpar results when baking chicken, but avoiding these pitfalls will set you up for success:
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Not Preheating Properly: Always fully preheat the oven to ensure the set temperature is accurate.
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Overcrowding: Allow enough space between pieces for air circulation; don’t overload pans.
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Baking Straight from Fridge: Let chicken pieces come closer to room temp before baking for even cooking.
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Inaccurate Temperature: Invest in an good oven thermometer and meat thermometer.
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Checking Too Late: Set timers and start checking for doneness well before the estimated bake time.
With care and attention, you can steer clear of these snafus and bake delicious chicken every time.
Storing and Reheating Leftover Baked Chicken
Leftover baked chicken stays good for 3-4 days stored properly in the fridge. Here are some tips:
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Let chicken cool before refrigerating in a sealed container.
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Use leftovers within 3-4 days.
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Reheat baked chicken gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of liquid.
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Bring the internal temperature back up to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Avoid reheating more than once.
With proper storage and reheating, you can safely enjoy your leftovers and get the most out of the chicken you bake.
Chicken Baked to Perfection
From properly preparing to monitoring doneness, baking chicken at a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a reliable path to succulent, flavorful poultry. With the guidance in this article, you can master baking chicken with consistently delicious results. Say farewell to dry, overcooked meat, and hello to tender, juicy baked chicken that will have everyone going back for seconds!
The Panel of Chicken Chicken-Baking Experts
- Sheela Prakash is a writer who also edits recipes for Simply Recipes and wrote the book Salad Seasons.
- Jason Goldstein writes cookbooks, creates recipes, blogs about food, and makes content for @Chophappy.
- Micah Siva is a trained chef, a registered dietitian, a contributor to Simply Recipes, and the author of Nosh.
- She is the owner and chef at Chang Thai Cafe and The Catch in Littleton, New Hampshire.
Is it better to Bake chicken at 350 or 400?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook chicken in a 350 oven?
Bake a 4-ounce chicken breast at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Should baked chicken be covered or uncovered in the oven?
Whether to bake chicken covered or uncovered depends on your desired outcome. Covering chicken while baking helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture, potentially leading to a more tender result. However, it can also result in pale, steamed skin.
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long do you cook chicken at 350 degrees?
The ideal cooking time for chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit varies based on the cut and size of the chicken. For example, bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks typically take about 40 to 50 minutes, while boneless, skinless chicken breasts can cook in approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
How long does it take to cook chicken breast in the oven?
To cook chicken breast at 350 degrees Fahrenheit in the oven, it typically takes about 25-30 minutes. However, the exact cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breast.
How to cook chicken breast in a 350 degree oven?
To achieve the perfect texture when cooking chicken breasts in a 350-degree oven, it is crucial to pay attention to the internal temperature of the meat. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit using a meat thermometer. This means it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
What temperature should a 2 pound chicken be cooked at?
A: The ideal temperature for cooking chicken in the oven is 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius. Q: How long does it take to cook a 2-pound chicken in the oven at 350? A: According to our basic cooking times, a 2-pound chicken will take approximately 30-40 minutes to cook in the oven at 350.
How long to cook bone-in chicken breast at 350 degrees?
How long a bone-in chicken breast needs to cook at 350 degrees depends on a lot of things, like how big and thick it is. As a general rule, you should expect to cook bone-in chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do you cook a pound of chicken in the oven?
It is suggested that chicken be baked in an oven set to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 30 minutes per pound. *However, keep in mind that cooking times can be different depending on the oven you’re using and how thick the chicken breasts or parts are. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.