Baking chicken to perfection requires knowing the right temperature and cook time. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked through while remaining juicy and tender. The ideal baking temperature for chicken depends on the cut and whether it is bone-in or boneless.
Quick Answer
The quick answer is that whole chicken and bone-in chicken parts like breasts, thighs, legs, wings, and drumsticks should be baked between 350-425°F. Boneless chicken breasts and tenders can be baked between 375-450°F. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Recommended Chicken Internal Temperatures
Using a food thermometer is the most reliable way to determine if chicken is fully cooked. The USDA recommends cooking chicken to the following safe minimum internal temperatures:
| Chicken Type | Safe Minimum Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Whole chicken or chicken pieces | 165°F |
| Ground chicken | 165°F |
| Chicken breasts, roast, steaks | 165°F |
| Chicken thighs, wings, legs | 165°F |
| Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird) | 165°F |
At 165°F and above, salmonella and other harmful bacteria are killed. Chicken cooked to 170-175°F will be slightly more dry, so aim closer to the 165°F mark for ideal juiciness.
Bone-In Chicken Parts Temperature
For bone-in chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings, bake between 350-425°F. The bones will help retain moisture, so you can use a higher temperature to ensure the meat cooks through. Here are more specific baking temps for bone-in chicken:
- Chicken thighs and drumsticks: Bake at 400°F for 30-55 minutes.
- Chicken wings: Bake at 425°F for 45-60 minutes.
- Chicken legs: Bake at 375°F for 60-90 minutes.
- Chicken breasts: Bake at 350-400°F for 30-55 minutes.
The thicker the cut, the more time it will need. Check the temperature periodically and continue baking until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Tips for Bone-In Chicken
- Season as desired before baking. This could include herbs, spices, olive oil, salt, pepper, etc.
- For browning, broil for the last 3-5 minutes.
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Make sure the bones are exposed, not tucked under skin or meat.
Boneless Chicken Breast Temperature
Boneless chicken breasts cook faster than bone-in. Bake boneless chicken breasts between 375-450°F. The higher temperature helps get the exterior browned while cooking the inside all the way through. Bake for 15-30 minutes or until 165°F.
Some tips for baking boneless chicken breasts:
- Pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Brush with oil to prevent drying out.
- Season as desired before baking.
- Bake in a single layer – do not overcrowd.
Marinades and Brines
Soaking chicken in a marinade or brine before baking can boost flavor and tenderness. Try marinating for 30 minutes up to overnight. Brining involves soaking in a saltwater solution, which helps chicken retain moisture as it bakes.
Whole Chicken Baking Temperature
For whole chickens, bake between 325-375°F until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. This will take between 1-1.5 hours depending on the size. You can stuff the chicken cavity to add flavor.
Tips for whole baked chicken:
- Truss the chicken so it holds its shape as it bakes.
- Rub the skin with oil or butter before baking for crispy skin.
- Season the inside cavity and outer skin as desired.
- Bake breast-side up and flip over for browning during the last 15 minutes.
Cooking Time for Chicken Parts
Here are estimated baking times for different chicken parts. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer.
| Chicken Cut | Oven Temp | Bake Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts (bone-in) | 350-400°F | 30-55 |
| Chicken thighs | 400°F | 30-40 |
| Chicken drumsticks | 400°F | 40-55 |
| Chicken wings | 425°F | 45-60 |
| Chicken legs | 375°F | 60-90 |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 375-450°F | 15-30 |
| Whole chicken (3-5 lbs) | 325-375°F | 60-90 |
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
The best way to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Thermometers can be inserted in the thickest part of the breast, thigh, or drumstick. Look for an instant-read thermometer or one you can leave in the oven.
Signs chicken is fully cooked without a thermometer:
- Clear juices run from the chicken when pierced with a knife or fork.
- The meat near the bone is no longer pink when cut.
- The chicken thighs and legs move easily.
- The meat feels firm when pressed.
Conclusion
Baking chicken between 350-450°F ensures it cooks fully to a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Bone-in pieces can go at the lower end around 350°F while boneless chicken breasts should bake at 375°F or above. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially for larger cuts. Allowing the chicken to rest afterwards will result in juicier meat. Follow these temperature guidelines to bake chicken perfectly every time.