How long to bake chicken at 400 f depends on the type of chicken you are cooking (chicken breast or chicken thighs), how it was prepared (bone in or boneless), whether the skin is on or off, whether it’s a whole chicken breast or one that has been sliced and/or pounded thin, and so on.
Broiling boneless, skinless chicken thighs is a great way to cook them, but it doesn’t work so well for boneless chicken breasts.
The way and length of time to cook depend on the cut and/or the recipe. Let’s look at some of the most common chicken dishes we can bake in the oven, along with the temperatures and times to bake them.
Bone-in chicken baked in the oven is a classic way to make juicy, tasty chicken dinners. It’s important to know how long bone-in chicken pieces should be cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, though, for the best results.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to bake bone-in chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings to tender, safe perfection.
Factors That Affect Baking Time
Several factors impact how long it takes to bake bone-in chicken at 400°F. including
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Type of cut The thickness and bone content affects cooking time Chicken breasts bake quicker than thighs, Drumsticks and wings take less time than larger cuts,
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Bone-in vs boneless: Bones conduct heat slower than meat, extending bake times for bone-in chicken.
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Size: Larger pieces require more baking time than smaller ones.
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Starting temperature: Chicken baked straight from refrigeration takes longer than chicken closer to room temp.
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Oven accuracy: Ovens that run hot or cold will increase or decrease bake time.
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Pan material: Metal pans heat faster while glass and ceramic are slower conductors.
Baking Times for Common Bone-In Chicken Cuts
Here are estimated baking times for achieving safe, thoroughly cooked bone-in chicken cuts at 400°F:
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Whole chicken (3-4 lbs): 1 hour 10 mins to 1 hour 30 mins
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Chicken breasts (6-8 oz): 30-40 minutes
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Chicken thighs (4-6 oz): 35-45 minutes
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Chicken drumsticks (4-6 oz): 30-45 minutes
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Chicken wings (2-3 oz): 25-35 minutes
These times are guidelines only. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
How to Tell When Bone-In Chicken is Cooked
Monitoring temperature is the only surefire way to know bone-in chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F.
If it’s not at 165°F, put the chicken back in the oven for 5 to 10 minutes more until it is.
For whole chickens, check the inner thigh and breast areas. Verify both reach 165°F minimum.
Tips for Baked Bone-In Chicken Perfection
Follow these tips for beautifully baked bone-in chicken every time:
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Let chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
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Pat bone-in chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning or coating to maximize browning.
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Raise bone-in chicken off the bottom of the pan with a roasting rack or broiler pan. This allows air circulation for crisper skin.
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Bake bone-in chicken uncovered for ideal browning and heat penetration. Tent with foil at the end to prevent over-browning if needed.
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Brine bone-in chicken in a saltwater solution before baking to boost moisture and flavor.
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Baste bone-in chicken with pan juices, butter, or oil during baking to keep meat juicy.
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Allow bone-in chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before carving to retain juices and prevent drying out.
Common Baking Issues and Solutions
If your baked bone-in chicken turns out overcooked or underdone, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Put the chicken back in the oven and bake it for 5 to 10 minutes longer, until it reaches 165°F. Watch closely to avoid overbaking.
Overcooked, Dry Chicken: Brine chicken before baking, baste during cooking, tent with foil at end, and don’t overcook.
Skin Not Crispy: Ensure chicken is dry before seasoning, use lower pan, bake uncovered, and increase oven temp at end if needed.
Uneven Cooking: Use pan with low sides, don’t overcrowd, and rotate pan halfway through baking.
Satisfying Bone-In Chicken Recipes for 400°F Baking
Here are a few delicious recipes to try baking your bone-in chicken at 400°F:
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Baked BBQ Chicken Drumsticks – Brushed with a zesty homemade or store-bought BBQ sauce glaze.
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Chicken Thighs with Lemon and Herbs – Roasted with fresh rosemary, thyme, and lemon slices.
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Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings – Tossed in buffalo sauce and baked until browned and sizzling.
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Whole Roast Chicken – Garlic, herbs, and lemon infuse flavor throughout the entire bird.
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Baked Chicken Parmesan – Chicken breasts topped with tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
The possibilities are endless for baking juicy, flavorful bone-in chicken creations at 400°F. Just remember to account for the thickness and size of your cuts. And always rely on an instant-read thermometer to guarantee safety and perfection.
Can I Cook Chicken Breast in the Air Fryer?
You can defiantly cook chicken breast In the air fryer. The size of your air fryer will dictate how many chicken breasts you will be able to cook at once. The new air fry ovens are GREAT for cooking chicken breasts!
The time it takes to cook the breasts will depend on the model and whether you sear the chicken first. In general, it will take about half as long as it would in a regular oven.
At about the 6 minute mark you should flip your chicken and then plan to cook anywhere from 2-8 more minutes. Use the same approach of testing with a meat thermometer the first time you cook chicken breasts in your air fryer to get an idea of the perfect timing.
Baked Chicken Breasts Nutrition
Yes, you should always pre heat your oven. This helps ensure your food will cook evenly and that your recipes timing will be as accurate as possible. All ovens cook slightly different and if your oven hasn’t been calibrated in a while it could cook a bit faster or slower than a recipe indicates.
This is why I always recommend a meat thermometer when cooking meat in the oven.
How long does chicken take to bake at 400?
FAQ
How long does it take to cook bone-in chicken in the oven at 400 degrees?
I put my seasonings (breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and poultry seasoning) in a bag and shake my bone-in skin-on chicken thighs. No way 375° for 30 minutes is enough. I usually cook one side (skin side down) at 400° for 35 minutes then turn and cook the other side (skin side up) for 25 minutes.
Is it better to bake bone-in chicken breast at 350 or 400?
The ideal temperature to roast bone-in chicken breasts is 400oF. However, you can bake chicken in an oven that’s anywhere from 350oF to 425oF. Obviously, cooking time is affected. You’ll have to add time if you’re roasting it at 350oF and subtract time at 425oF. Again, an instant read thermometer is your friend.
What is the best temperature to bake bone-in chicken breasts?
Preheat oven to 425°F. Rub chicken with olive oil and season with garlic powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Roast for 35–45 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F and skin is crispy.
How long does chicken on the bone need to cook in the oven?
Bake prepped chicken uncovered until no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, about 50 to 60 minutes. Nov 15, 2024.