Baking chicken to crispy, juicy perfection requires knowing how long to bake different cuts at various temperatures Undercooking chicken can lead to foodborne illness, while overcooking results in dry, rubbery meat Follow this guide to learn exactly how long you should bake chicken to achieve the best results every time.
What Temperature Should You Bake Chicken?
Depending on the cut, the best temperature for baking chicken is between 350°F and 450°F. Here are some guidelines:
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350°F to 375°F: Best for delicate white meat like boneless chicken breasts to prevent drying out.
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375°F to 400°F: Suitable for bone-in chicken breasts and chicken wings.
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400°F to 450°F: Ideal for leg and thigh portions and whole chickens to crisp the skin while keeping the dark meat juicy.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness instead of relying on bake times alone. Chicken is safely cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F The thighs and wings should register 175°F – 180°F for the best texture
How Long to Bake Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts bake faster than bone-in breasts. Chicken breasts should not be baked below 350°F to keep them safe.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
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Bake at 375°F for 20-30 minutes
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Brined chicken may require 5 minutes less
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Larger breasts over 1 lb take longer
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Breasts
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Bake at 375°F for 30-40 minutes
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Brining adds moisture and flavor
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Bake up to 50 minutes for very large breasts
The chicken breasts are done when the thickest part reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Let rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for perfectly juicy results.
How Long to Bake Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs have more connective tissue than breasts so benefit from a low and slow bake at 350°F. Baking at higher temperatures can cause the exterior to burn before the interior cooks through.
Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken Thighs
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Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes
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Brush with oil to crisp the skin
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Stuff thighs with garlic, herbs for extra flavor
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
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Bake at 375°F for 25-35 minutes
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Marinate thighs to prevent drying out
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Bake in sauce, broth for added moisture
Check for doneness at the thickest section using a meat thermometer. For tender, juicy meat aim for 170°F – 175°F.
How Long to Bake Chicken Legs
Chicken legs require similar baking times as bone-in thighs. The important thing is to use an oven at 350°F so that the connective tissue can break down.
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Bake at 350°F for 40-50 minutes
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Flip legs halfway during baking
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Brush with oil, spices for flavorful crispy skin
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Bake until meat thermometer reads 170°F – 180°F
For the best results, choose similarly sized legs and bake without overcrowding. Allow legs to rest 5 minutes before serving.
How Long to Bake Chicken Wings
Crispy baked chicken wings are easy to make with a quick hot bake at a high temperature. Arrange wings in a single layer and flip halfway through baking.
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At 400°F: Bake for 30-40 minutes
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At 425°F: Bake for 25-35 minutes
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Check temperature using a meat thermometer
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Toss with sauce during last 5-10 minutes of baking
For extra crispy skin, bake wings at 450°F for 20-30 minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning.
How Long to Bake a Whole Chicken
A whole chicken requires a high initial temperature to brown the skin, followed by a lower temperature to finish cooking the meat.
For a 3.5 – 4 lb whole chicken:
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Preheat oven to 425°F
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Bake for 20 minutes at 425°F
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Reduce heat to 350°F and bake for 50-60 more minutes
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Check internal temp of 165°F in breast and thigh
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Allow to rest 15 minutes before carving
Larger chickens over 5 lbs may need up to 90 minutes total baking time. Always check temperature rather than relying on time alone.
Tips for Baked Chicken Perfection
Follow these simple tips for flawlessly baked chicken every time:
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Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels and coat with oil or dry rub to crisp the skin.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially for large cuts.
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Let chicken rest for 5-15 minutes before serving depending on size.
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Bake bone-in, skin-on chicken on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
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Brine chicken breasts and wings in saltwater for added moisture and flavor.
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Bake thighs and legs at moderate temperatures between 350°F and 375°F.
With the proper bake times and temperatures for each cut, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked chicken with crisp skin and juicy meat every time. Master these simple baking techniques for chicken baked to perfection.
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.
How to Bake Chicken Breasts: Temperature & How Long | How to Cook Chicken by MOMables
FAQ
Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?
How long does it take to cook chicken at 350 degrees?
Different cuts and sizes of chicken take different amounts of time to cook at 350°F (177°C). For chicken breasts, expect 25-30 minutes, while a whole chicken may take around an hour or more, depending on its weight.
How long should I cook my chicken in the oven at 400 degrees?
Roast the chickens at 400 degrees for about an hour and a half, depending on the size of the birds. The way I figure time for this is to take the average weight of one of the chickens (say, 4. 5 lbs) and calculate 15 minutes per pound (that would be about 67 minutes for a 4. 5 lb chicken).
How long does it take to cook a chicken in the oven?
All you have to do is remove the protective soft plastic film before placing it in the oven. It says to bake it for 30 minutes at 240C in a regular oven or 220C in a fan-forced oven with aluminum foil covering the tray. After 5 minutes, take off the foil and cook for another 5 minutes to help brown and maybe even crisp up the outside and skin.
How long does it take to bake a chicken breast?
Bake for 18-22 minutes, until firm and no longer pink, and internal temperature reaches 160-165 degrees F (71-74 degrees C). (Internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees when resting. ) A probe thermometer like this is the best set-it-and-forget-it method because it will beep when ready, but an instant-read thermometer also works.
Can You bake chicken in the oven?
Cheesy Pesto Baked Chicken Yes, you can make juicy and tender chicken in your oven! Top a few chicken breasts with a mixture of cream cheese and basil pesto, sprinkle on some mozzarella cheese, and bake. That’s it! It’s packed full of cheesy flavor and pairs well with a side of pasta or rice.