Baking is a great way to bring forth the flavors of chicken recipes. You can bake a whole chicken or only parts of it. When undercooked, however, it puts people at risk for food poisoning as raw meat carries bacteria like salmonella. When overcooked, the chicken meat becomes dry and stringy. So how long should you cook chicken in the oven?
Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to the question. There are many factors to consider. Many recipes require different cooking times, depending on how large or small the meat is. Whole chicken needs to be cooked longer than, let’s say, a thigh. Your manner of baking as well as the ingredients that go into the chicken will also determine how long you need to cook the meat. The best way to get the best flavor and texture is to follow the recommended cooking time and oven temperature in the recipe. Also, constantly check internal temperature using a meat thermometer.
How Long to Bake a Whole Chicken
Whole chicken are either broiled or roasted. Broiling a 3 to 5-pound chicken would take about an hour and 30 minutes, while roasting a 6 to 8 pound chicken would take about 1 ½ to 2 hours. The ideal temperature is 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Marinating the chicken or brining it for about 5 hours before baking will result in a more tender bird.
How Long to Bake a Boneless Chicken
Boneless chicken requires less cooking time than chicken with bones. A 3-ounce chicken thigh would take about 25 to 35 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. A boneless chicken breast (4 ounces) would take about 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Internal temperature should register 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long to Bake Chicken Pieces with Bone In
Chicken parts with bone need to be cooked for longer period of time. Here’s a summary of cooking time for chicken parts:
- Legs or drumstick (4 – 8 ounces each): Roast for 40 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees F or until internal temperature reads 170 degrees F.
- Thigh (5 – 7 ounces each): Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees F or until internal temperature reads 170 degrees F.
- Breast (6 – 8 ounces each): Bake for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees F or until internal temperature reads 170 degrees F.
- Ground chicken (6 ounce patty): bake for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees F or until internal temperature reads 165 degrees F.
The information above are not written in stone. The cooking times and temperatures are only approximations for how long to cook the legs, breasts, and other cuts. The best way to determine if the meat is perfectly cooked is to measure its internal temperature.
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