baked chicken how long at 350
The cooking time for baked chicken at 350°F (175°C) can vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re baking. Here’s a general guideline:
- Chicken Pieces (bone-in, skin-on):
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: 40-50 minutes
- Chicken Breasts (bone-in, skin-on): 35-45 minutes
- Whole Chicken: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (or more, depending on size)
- Chicken Wings: 35-45 minutes
Important Considerations:
- Internal Temperature: The most important factor is the internal temperature. Chicken is safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the meat (not touching bone). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches this temperature.
- Doneness: The cooking time is just a guideline. Always check for doneness, as ovens can vary in their accuracy.
- Size Matters: The larger the chicken piece or whole bird, the longer it will take to cook.
- Thawing: Ensure that the chicken is completely thawed before baking for even cooking.
- Oven Temperature: 350°F is a good temperature for even cooking. This temperature also allows the chicken skin to get crispy.
- Preventing Dryness To prevent the chicken from drying, you can:
- Brine or marinade: Help retain moisture
- Don’t overcook: Use a meat thermometer.
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after baking.
- Baste: Basate the chicken with juices while cooking.
How to check for doneness:
- Meat Thermometer: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from bone.
- Juices Run Clear: If you pierce the chicken (especially near the joint for legs/thighs) and the juices run clear (not pink), it’s usually done.
- Appearance of cooked meat: The meat will no longer be pink and should be white.
Example Recipe (Baked Chicken Breasts):
- Preheat: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare: Place chicken breasts in a baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs (like paprika, garlic powder, oregano, etc.).
- Bake: Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.
