Baking a cut-up chicken at 350°F (177°C) is an easy and reliable way to prepare delicious meals. Knowing how long to bake a cut-up chicken at 350 degrees helps ensure that your chicken remains juicy, tender, and properly cooked. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or doing meal prep for the week, this method offers flexibility and simplicity. Chicken cooked at 350°F achieves the perfect balance between moisture and a beautifully golden-brown exterior.
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat, using a food thermometer is essential. If you need help with this tool, read how to use a food thermometer correctly for proper usage.
Why Bake a Cut-Up Chicken at 350 Degrees?
Baking cut-up chicken is often a better choice than roasting a whole bird. Here’s why:
- Quicker cooking times: Smaller pieces cook faster than a whole chicken.
- Even seasoning and flavor absorption: Spices and marinades coat every piece thoroughly.
- Flexible portions: You can cook only the parts you need, whether breasts, thighs, wings, or drumsticks.
- Consistent results: Smaller pieces ensure even cooking without overcooking or undercooking different parts.
This method is perfect for feeding a crowd or preparing meals in advance. Chicken wings, thighs, and breasts can all cook together with minimal fuss.
How to Prepare Chicken Pieces for Baking
Preparation is essential to ensure the chicken bakes evenly and retains moisture. Here’s how to get it right:
1. Select the Right Cuts
- Use a mix of bone-in thighs, drumsticks, wings, or boneless breasts. Bone-in pieces offer more flavor, while boneless breasts are leaner and cook faster.
2. Trim Excess Fat and Skin
- Removing extra fat and tendons ensures the pieces are tender and evenly cooked.
3. Dry the Chicken with Paper Towels
- Pat the pieces dry to remove moisture from the surface. This step helps achieve a crispy exterior when baking.
4. Season Generously
- Use salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other spices you enjoy. Herbs such as rosemary or thyme also complement baked chicken.
5. Marinate for Extra Flavor (Optional)
- If you have time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Marinades with olive oil, vinegar, or yogurt help lock in moisture.
Need tips on cutting chicken? Check out how to cut chicken breasts into cubes for helpful preparation advice.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Cut-Up Chicken at 350 Degrees
Follow these steps to bake cut-up chicken perfectly every time:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line the dish with parchment paper or lightly coat it with oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Chicken Pieces: Place the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the dish to ensure even heat distribution.
- Place on the Middle Rack: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly from all sides.
- Monitor the Cooking Process: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature as the chicken nears the end of its cooking time.
How Long to Bake a Cut-Up Chicken at 350 Degrees?
Cooking times vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces:
- Boneless breasts: 30-35 minutes
- Bone-in thighs and drumsticks: 40-45 minutes
- Wings: 20-25 minutes
- Chicken tenders or strips: 15-20 minutes
- Frozen pieces: Add 5-10 minutes to the total cooking time
For bone-in pieces, it’s essential to use a thermometer to confirm doneness. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Know When Chicken Is Done
Here are three reliable ways to check if your chicken is fully cooked:
- Use a Thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C).
- Check the Juices: When pierced with a knife, the juices should run clear.
- Test the Firmness: Properly cooked chicken feels firm but moist when pressed.
For more detailed guidance on doneness, read how to keep thin chicken breast moist.
Baking Time for Different Chicken Cuts at 350 Degrees
Here’s a detailed guide on how long different chicken cuts take to bake:
- Chicken Breasts (Boneless): 30-35 minutes
- Bone-In Thighs and Drumsticks: 40-45 minutes
- Chicken Wings: 20-25 minutes
- Chicken Quarters: 45-50 minutes
- Tenders and Strips: 15-20 minutes
Bone-in cuts take longer to cook as the bone slows heat penetration. Boneless pieces, on the other hand, cook faster but can dry out if not monitored closely.
Tips to Keep Chicken Moist During Baking
Dry chicken can ruin your meal. Here are some ways to keep your chicken moist and flavorful:
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinades with oil or yogurt help retain moisture.
- Use Foil for Part of the Baking Process: Cover the dish with foil for the first 20-30 minutes, then remove it to allow browning.
- Baste with Pan Juices or Butter: Brush the chicken halfway through cooking to add moisture.
- Add Broth or Water: Pour a small amount of broth into the dish to create steam and enhance moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Chicken
Avoid these mistakes to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly:
- Overcrowding the Pan: This prevents the chicken from browning properly. Leave space between pieces.
- Skipping the Thermometer: Guessing can lead to undercooked or overcooked chicken. Use a thermometer for accurate results.
- Inconsistent Oven Temperature: Maintain 350°F throughout the cooking process for even results.
- Not Seasoning Enough: Proper seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Adding Vegetables and Sauces
Enhance your baked chicken with vegetables or sauces:
- Vegetables: Add carrots, potatoes, onions, or bell peppers to the baking dish.
- Sauces: Brush barbecue, honey mustard, or lemon butter sauce over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- One-Pan Meal: Combine chicken and vegetables in a single dish for an easy, complete meal.
Troubleshooting Overcooked or Undercooked Chicken
If your chicken didn’t turn out as expected, here’s how to fix it:
- Undercooked Chicken: Return it to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Overcooked Chicken: Slice the meat thinly and serve it with sauce or add it to soups or wraps to restore moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does it take to bake cut-up chicken at 350 degrees?
It usually takes 30-45 minutes, depending on the cut and size of the pieces.
2. How long does diced chicken take to cook?
Diced chicken cooks faster, typically in 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
3. How long does it take to bake raw cut-up chicken?
Baking raw chicken pieces takes 30-50 minutes, depending on the type and size.
4. How do you know when cut-up chicken is done?
Use a thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the meat should feel firm.
Conclusion
Baking cut-up chicken at 350°F (177°C) provides a reliable way to prepare a variety of dishes while ensuring that each piece remains moist and flavorful. This method allows flexibility, as you can bake multiple cuts at once—like thighs, breasts, drumsticks, or wings—without worrying about uneven cooking. Knowing the exact time each piece needs ensures that nothing ends up dry or undercooked. Bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks require more time to bake, while smaller cuts like wings and boneless breasts cook faster. Using a food thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) guarantees safety and optimal texture.
Incorporating vegetables and sauces into the baking process enhances the meal’s flavor and nutrition. Try adding potatoes, carrots, and bell peppers to the baking dish to soak up the juices from the chicken. During the last 10 minutes, brush the pieces with barbecue or honey mustard sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
For more inspiration on preparing chicken in different ways, explore how long to cook chicken cubes on the stove. With thoughtful preparation, the right seasoning, and a few baking tricks, you’ll master this technique and consistently produce satisfying meals for any occasion