Grilling chicken in the oven is a great way to get juicy, flavorful chicken without having to fire up the outdoor grill. While grilling chicken over a hot flame can impart some great char and smoky flavors, using the oven allows you to cook the chicken evenly throughout without having to worry about burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
Oven grilling chicken takes a bit longer than stovetop grilling or outdoor grilling, but the hands-off method and consistent heat of the oven makes it an easy and reliable way to cook chicken. The exact oven time will depend on a few factors, including the size and cut of the chicken pieces and the temperature of the oven.
How Long Does Bone-In Chicken Take?
For bone-in chicken pieces like breasts, thighs, and drumsticks, the oven time can vary quite a bit. Smaller bone-in pieces like chicken thighs may only need 15-25 minutes in the oven, while larger chicken breasts may take 25-40 minutes depending on thickness.
Here are some general oven times for bone-in chicken:
| Chicken Cut | Oven Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 20-25 minutes |
| Chicken drumsticks | 25-35 minutes |
| Chicken wings | 25-40 minutes |
| Chicken breasts | 30-40 minutes |
These times are for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces roasted at 425°F. Thicker, larger pieces may take slightly longer. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part should read 165°F when the chicken is cooked through.
How Long Does Boneless Chicken Take?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts and tenders will cook faster than bone-in pieces. They have less insulation from the bone and skin, so the interior cooks quicker.
Here are approximate oven times for boneless chicken:
| Chicken Cut | Oven Time |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast halves | 20-25 minutes |
| Chicken tenders/strips | 10-15 minutes |
| Chicken nuggets | 10-15 minutes |
Again, these oven times are based on pieces roasted at 425°F. The thickness of the pieces will impact cook time, with thicker cuts taking slightly longer. Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness when it reaches 165°F internally.
Factors That Impact Cook Time
Several factors can increase or decrease oven cook time for chicken. These include:
Chicken Size and Thickness
Larger, thicker cuts of chicken will take longer to cook through to the proper internal temperature. A thin chicken breast half may only need 20 minutes while a very thick breast may take closer to 30-35 minutes.
Bone-In vs Boneless
Chicken cooked on the bone will take longer than an equal weight of boneless chicken. The bones help insulate the meat and slow cooking.
Skin-On vs Skinless
The skin also provides insulation to keep heat from penetrating into the meat as quickly. Skinless pieces will cook faster than chicken cooked with the skin on.
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures will decrease cook time by transferring heat faster to the chicken. Chicken cooked at a lower oven temp like 325°F will need more time than chicken roasted at 425°F or higher.
Chicken Temperature Before Cooking
Chicken that goes into the oven at fridge temperature will need a few extra minutes compared to chicken closer to room temp. Letting the chicken sit at room temp for 15-30 minutes reduces the time needed.
Amount of Chicken
The more chicken you have in the oven, the longer the overall cook time. More pieces increases the overall mass the oven must heat. Spread pieces out in a single layer and use multiple pans as needed.
Chicken Cut and Shape
How uniformly the chicken cooks also impacts total time. Irregular shaped pieces like whole legs take longer than uniform boneless breasts or tenders. Pieces stacked on top of each other will also cook slower than a single layer.
Tips for Cooking Chicken in the Oven
Follow these tips when oven grilling chicken for the most tender, juicy results:
– Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown and roast evenly
– Use a broiler pan or wire rack to keep the chicken elevated off the pan surface. This allows air flow underneath for better cooking on all sides.
– Preheat oven fully before placing chicken inside. Don’t overcrowd the pan, leave space between pieces.
– Brush bone-in, skin-on chicken with a little oil to help crisp and brown the skin.
– Roast at 400°F or higher, turning chicken halfway through cook time.
– Allow thicker cuts to rest 5-10 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
– Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness; chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Marinade and Seasoning
Flavorful ingredients like marinades, spices, and herbs are a great way to add extra taste to oven-roasted chicken. Here are some tasty options:
– Lemon-Herb: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, pepper
– Asian: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger
– Indian: Yogurt, garam masala, cumin, garlic, paprika
– Jamaican Jerk: Jerk seasoning, lime juice, allspice, thyme, chili peppers
– Italian: Rosemary, basil, oregano, fennel seed, garlic, pepper flakes
You can marinate the chicken in these flavors anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight before roasting. Another easy option is to season the chicken right before oven roasting. Try easy spice rub combinations like chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, garlic powder, or smoked paprika, salt, pepper, oregano.
Conclusion
Oven-roasting is one of the most convenient, foolproof ways to cook juicy chicken with crispy skin to perfection. While exact cook times vary based on the thickness and cut of chicken, along with oven temperature, most bone-in chicken pieces roast between 20-40 minutes at 425°F. Smaller boneless cuts may cook in as little as 15-20 minutes at higher oven temps.
Use these oven grilling times and chicken cooking tips to help guide you to perfectly cooked chicken every time. Check for doneness by temperature and allow the chicken to rest before serving hot, tender, and delicious oven-roasted chicken any night of the week.