bake chicken how long and what temp

The baking time and temperature for chicken depend on the cut and size of the chicken. Here’s a general guide:

General Guidelines

• Temperature: The most common and recommended temperature for baking chicken is 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps ensure the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice brown exterior. You can also use 375 or 350, but cooking time will be longer.
• Internal Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone.

  • Safe Internal Temperatures:

    • Chicken breasts: 165°F (74°C)
    • Chicken thighs and drumsticks: 175°F (80°C) (or 165°F – they will be more tender at higher temps.)
    • Whole Chicken: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Baking Times (Approximate)

Here’s a breakdown for some common chicken cuts and cooking methods:

• Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless):

  • 4 oz. 20-25 mins at 400F
  • 8 oz. 30-35 mins at 400F

• Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless): 25-35 minutes at 400F
• Chicken Drumsticks: 35-45 minutes at 400F
• Chicken Wings: 30-40 mins at 400F

• Whole Chicken 10-15 mins per pound at 400F

  • For a 4-5 pound chicken, this usually translates to about 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. Check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone) with a meat thermometer.

Tips for Baking Chicken

• Preheat: Always preheat your oven to the correct temperature before putting the chicken in.
• Seasoning: Season the chicken generously with your favorite herbs, spices, salt, and pepper.
• Cooking Method (can affect cooking time):

  • Dry Rub or Uncovered: This creates a crispy skin. Baste it occasionally with juices from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor and moisture.
  • Covered (with foil): This helps retain moisture and is good for starting the cooking process, particularly for a whole chicken. Remove the foil in the last 20-30 minutes to brown the skin.
  • With Vegetables: Roasting chicken with vegetables (like potatoes, carrots, onions) in the same pan is a great one-pan meal. The vegetables will usually take about the same time to cook as the chicken (or slightly longer), but keep an eye on them.

• Resting: After baking, let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

Important Note: These are approximate cooking times. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature. The size and starting temperature of the chicken can also affect cooking time.