The Ultimate Guide: How Long Does It Take to Bake Chicken Parts at 350°F

Are you staring at a package of chicken and wondering exactly how long to leave it in the oven? I’ve been there too! Baking chicken at 350°F is one of the most reliable methods for getting juicy flavorful results, but timing can vary dramatically depending on which part of the chicken you’re cooking.

In this complete guide I’ll break down the exact cooking times for every chicken part so you can achieve perfectly cooked chicken every single time. No more dry breasts or undercooked thighs!

Why 350°F Is the Sweet Spot for Baking Chicken

Before we dive into specific times, let’s talk about why 350°F works so well. This temperature hits the perfect balance between:

• Cooking the chicken thoroughly without drying it out
• Allowing enough time for flavors to develop
• Being forgiving if you accidentally leave it in a few minutes too long

Essential Chicken Baking Times at 350°F Chart

Here’s your quick reference guide for how long to bake different chicken parts at 350°F

White Meat vs. Dark Meat: Understanding the Difference

One of the most important things to understand about chicken is that white meat and dark meat cook differently:

White meat (breasts and wings):

• Leaner with less fat
• Cooks faster
• More prone to drying out
• Has a milder flavor

Dark meat (thighs and drumsticks):

• Higher fat content (about 3 extra grams per 100g)
• Takes longer to cook
• Stays juicier during cooking
• Has a more intense chicken flavor

This difference explains why cooking times vary so much between different parts!

Detailed Cooking Guide for Each Chicken Part

Whole Chicken

• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes per pound
• Example: A 4-pound chicken will take approximately 80-100 minutes
• Tips: Insert thermometer into the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast

Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts are probably the trickiest part to get right because they can easily dry out.

Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts:

• Cooking time: 30-40 minutes
• Why longer? The bone slows down heat transfer, and the skin provides protection

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

• Cooking time: 20-30 minutes for typical 6-8 oz breasts
• For larger breasts:
  • 10-12 oz breasts: about 35 minutes
  • 12-14 oz breasts: around 40 minutes
  • 16-18 oz breasts: around 45 minutes

Pro tip: The thickness matters more than weight! Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Chicken Thighs

Thighs are more forgiving than breasts due to their higher fat content.

Bone-in chicken thighs:

• Cooking time: 40-50 minutes
• Note: For thighs, you might want to cook to 170-175°F instead of just 165°F to avoid that slippery texture some people dislike

Boneless chicken thighs:

• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
• Benefit: Cooks faster but still stays juicy

Chicken Drumsticks

• Cooking time: 35-45 minutes
• Tip: Great for feeding kids! The handle makes them fun to eat

Chicken Wings

• Cooking time:
  • Unbreaded: 25-30 minutes
  • Breaded/coated: 35-40 minutes
• Note: The coating requires extra time to get crispy

Chicken Cutlets and Tenderloins

These thinner cuts cook much faster:

Chicken cutlets (¼ inch thick):

• Cooking time: 10-12 minutes

Chicken tenderloins:

• Cooking time: 20-25 minutes for boneless tenderloins about ½ inch thick

How to Know When Chicken Is Done

The most reliable way to tell if chicken is done is by checking its internal temperature. According to the USDA, chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Using a Meat Thermometer:

1. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat
2. Avoid touching the bone (gives false readings)
3. Wait for the temperature to stabilize
4. Check multiple spots if cooking different parts

Visual Cues (if you don’t have a thermometer):

• Juices should run clear (not pink)
• Meat should be white throughout (not pink)
• But remember: these are secondary indicators! A thermometer is always best

My Top Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken Every Time

After years of cooking chicken (and plenty of mistakes!), here are my best tips:

1. Similar sizing matters: Try to use chicken pieces of similar size so they cook evenly
2. Pat dry before seasoning: Remove excess moisture for better browning
3. Season liberally: Chicken loves flavor! Don’t be shy with seasonings
4. Line your baking sheet: Use parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup
5. Let it rest: Allow chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to redistribute juices
6. Room temperature start: Take chicken out of the fridge 20 minutes before cooking for more even results
7. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each piece some breathing room
8. Baste occasionally: This adds moisture and flavor during longer cooks
9. Invest in a good meat thermometer: It’ll change your cooking game!

Common Chicken Baking Mistakes to Avoid

We’ve all been there! Here are some mistakes I’ve made (so you don’t have to):

• Opening the oven too often: Each peek drops the temperature
• Underseasoning: Chicken needs salt and other seasonings to shine
• Overcooking: Following time guidelines is good, but temperature is the ultimate indicator
• Not letting it rest: Cutting immediately lets all those precious juices escape

Simple Seasoning Ideas for Baked Chicken

Want to keep it simple but delicious? Try these easy seasonings:

• Classic herb: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper
• Spicy kick: Paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder
• Lemon herb: Lemon pepper, thyme, basil, salt
• BBQ style: Smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder

Final Thoughts

Baking chicken at 350°F gives you reliable, delicious results once you understand the timing for each part. Remember that these times are guidelines – factors like your individual oven, the starting temperature of your chicken, and even the baking dish can affect cooking time.

When in doubt, always rely on your meat thermometer rather than strict timing. With practice, you’ll develop an intuition for perfectly baked chicken every time!

Do you have a favorite chicken recipe that you bake at 350°F? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

To cook chicken in a 350°F oven, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), as cooking times vary significantly by chicken part.