Cooking chicken in the oven can seem like a simple task, but getting the temperature just right is key to ensuring the chicken turns out moist, juicy and perfectly cooked. The ideal oven temperature for chicken will depend on the cut and thickness of the chicken as well as whether you want crispy skin or a more tender interior. Read on for tips and recommendations on the best oven temperatures for various chicken parts and dishes.
Quick Answer: 350°F is the Most Common Oven Temperature for Chicken
For the majority of bone-in chicken parts like breasts, thighs, legs and wings, baking at 350°F is ideal. This moderately hot temperature helps the chicken cook through fully while still retaining moisture. At 350°F, expect chicken breasts and thighs to take 30-40 minutes and chicken legs and wings to take 40-50 minutes. Just make sure not to overcook the chicken or the meat can dry out.
For whole chickens and Cornish hens, 350°F is also recommended so that the exterior gets nicely browned while the interior cooks through without drying out. Cook times will range from 1-1.5 hours for a 3-4 pound chicken.
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts which cook more quickly, a slightly higher temperature of 375°F may be preferred to ensure they turn out juicy and tender. Cook for 20-30 minutes.
When roasting chicken pieces with vegetables or other sides, 350°F is once again the best bet for evenly cooking everything.
Lower Temperatures (325°F or Less) for Extra Moist Chicken
If your priority is super moist, tender chicken even if that means longer cook times, then opt for lower oven temperatures around 325°F or even down to 300°F.
At 325°F, chicken breasts and thighs will need closer to 45 minutes while legs and wings will need 55-60 minutes. A whole chicken can roast for 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 hours.
At 300°F, chicken breasts and thighs will take 50-60 minutes and chicken legs and wings will need about 1 1⁄4 hours. A whole chicken may need around 1 3⁄4 hours at this low temperature.
Keep in mind that cooking at very low temperatures does mean it will take longer for the skin to crisp up. You can help remedy this by either starting or finishing at higher heat like 400°F.
Tips for Extra Moist Oven Baked Chicken
- Brine the chicken first – soaking in a saltwater brine hydrates the chicken so it retains more moisture during cooking.
- Cook to just the right internal temperature – 170°F for the breasts and 175-180°F for the thighs and legs.
- Avoid opening the oven during cooking – this will allow heat and moisture to properly circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
- Let chicken rest before cutting into it – resting for 5-10 minutes allows juices to redistribute so they don’t spill out when cutting.
Higher Temperatures (375-425°F) for Crispier Chicken Skin
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins that you want to cook quickly with a little browning, 375-400°F is ideal. Cook for around 20-25 minutes at these higher temps.
But where higher oven temperatures really shine is when you want crispy, golden chicken skin. Temperatures from 375-425°F will help the skin quickly brown and get super crispy.
At 375°F, chicken pieces with bone and skin will take 30-40 minutes. You can go up to 400°F which will decrease cook time by about 5-10 minutes. And at 425°F, the hottest temperature recommended, chicken will cook the quickest and get the crispiest.
Just keep in mind that the trade off with higher heat is that the meat right under the skin risks drying out more easily. Be sure not to overcook and check for doneness by making sure juices run clear and the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature (170°F breasts, 175-180°F thighs and legs).
Tips for Getting Crispy Oven Baked Chicken Skin
- Dry the skin well – Pat chicken pieces with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.
- Rub skin with oil or butter – Coating the skin helps it crisp up in the dry heat of the oven.
- Cook skin side up first – Placing chicken skin side up on a lightly oiled baking sheet will promote even browning.
- Broil for a few minutes at the end – A minute or two under a hot broiler can help finish crisping the skin.
Best Oven Temperatures for Other Chicken Dishes
Chicken Wings
Chicken wings can be baked at a similar temperature as other chicken pieces, around 350-375°F. But a two-stage method really helps them get uber crispy in the oven.
First bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes until cooked through. Then increase oven to 425-450°F and bake 5-10 minutes more to crisp the skin.
Chicken Thighs
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can be baked at 350°F for 40-50 minutes. For crispy skin, bake at 375-400°F for 30-40 minutes. Boneless thighs cook quicker so bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Chicken Legs
Chicken legs are best cooked low and slow at 300-325°F to keep them extra moist. Cook for 50-60 minutes. For crispy skin, bake at 375-400°F for 40-50 minutes.
Chicken Breast
For bone-in breasts, bake at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. Boneless, skinless breasts should be baked at a higher 375°F for juiciness; cook for 20-30 minutes.
Whole Chicken
Roast whole chickens and Cornish hens at 350°F which allows the meat to cook through while the skin crisps up. Plan on 18-24 minutes per pound. So a 4 pound chicken will take around 1 1⁄4 hours.
Chicken Casserole or Pot Pie
Chicken baked in a sauce, gravy or pie crust does best at lower oven temperatures like 325-350°F. This slower cooking allows the sauce to thicken and permeate the chicken. Bake 45-60 minutes.
Chicken Nuggets
These frozen favorites bake up crispy and delicious at 400-425°F. Cook chicken nuggets for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Bake frozen chicken patties, fingers or fillets at the same high heat.
Key Things to Keep in Mind When Baking Chicken in the Oven
Follow these tips for the most tender, juicy and flavorful oven baked chicken every time:
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning or coating – this helps it brown better in the oven.
- Use an oven safe thermometer – take the guesswork out of doneness and cook chicken to a safe internal temperature.
- Preheat oven fully before baking.
- Use a broiler pan or wire rack – this allows air flow all around the chicken for even cooking.
- Bake in the center of the oven where heat circulates best.
- Avoid opening the oven – maintain temperature and prevent drying heat loss.
- Test larger pieces in a few spots.
- Allow chicken to rest before serving – this finishes the cooking process and makes chicken juicier.
- Discard marinades used on raw chicken – cook any basting liquid to 165°F before brushing on cooked chicken.
The Best Chicken Temperature for Juicy, Tender Results
Using an instant read thermometer is the only way to accurately determine if chicken cooked to a safe internal temperature. Here are the proper doneness temperatures for different cuts of chicken:
- Whole chicken or turkey: 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
- Ground chicken: Cook to 165°F.
- Chicken breasts: 170°F
- Chicken thighs: 175-180°F
- Chicken legs: 175-180°F
- Chicken wings: 175-180°F
At these minimum safe temperatures, chicken will be completely cooked through while still retaining moisture so it stays tender and flavorful.
Conclusion
Finding the right oven temperature is one of the keys to cooking moist, delicious chicken every time. While 350°F is ideal for most bone-in chicken parts, adjusting the temperature based on your priorities is recommended:
- 325-300°F – Very moist, tender chicken
- 350°F – Juicy chicken cooked through
- 375-425°F – Crispier browned chicken skin
Other factors like using a meat thermometer, avoiding opening the oven and letting chicken rest also help ensure your oven baked chicken turns out perfect.
With the proper oven temperature and a few simple tips, you can enjoy tender, juicy chicken breasts, wings, thighs, legs and more baked to perfection.