How Long to Bake Chicken at 400 Degrees for Juicy, Tender Results

Cooking chicken in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is a great way to achieve evenly cooked, juicy and flavorful meat. But nailing the bake time is crucial for getting the best results Undercooking can lead to raw chicken, while overcooking produces dry, rubbery meat. So how long should you bake chicken at 400 degrees? Let’s find out

Factors That Affect Chicken Bake Times

Several factors impact how long chicken needs to bake fully:

• Type of cut – Whole chickens take longer than parts like breasts or thighs. Bone-in pieces require more time than boneless.

• Size – Larger pieces like a whole bird or bone-in breasts need longer baking Smaller cuts like tenders cook faster,

• Bone vs boneless – Bone acts as an insulator, so bone-in needs more time. Boneless cooks faster.

• Brining – Chicken soaked in a saltwater brine retains moisture during baking for juicier meat.

• Cookware – Dark metal pans attract more heat for faster cooking than glass or ceramic.

• Temperature – Higher oven heat speeds up cooking. Chicken bakes faster at 425°F vs 375°F.

Recommended Bake Times at 400°F

Here are approximate bake times for different chicken cuts at 400 degrees

• Whole chicken – 1 to 1 1/2 hours

• Bone-in breasts – 35 to 45 minutes

• Boneless breasts – 22 to 28 minutes

• Bone-in thighs and drumsticks – 40 to 50 minutes

• Chicken tenderloins – 15 to 20 minutes

These times are for unstuffed, raw chicken averaging 1 to 2 lbs. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Tips for Juicy Chicken

Follow these tips for ensuring tender, juicy oven-baked chicken:

• Brine first – Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine adds flavor and moisture.

• Pat dry – Remove excess moisture from the skin for crisping.

• Use a thermometer – Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Preheat properly – Allow oven to fully preheat before baking for even cooking.

• Rest time – Let the meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to recirculate back into the meat, keeping it extra juicy.

Step-by-Step Baking Method

Follow this simple process for baked chicken with great results:

1. Pat the chicken dry and season all over with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs.

2. For crispy skin, coat with a light layer of oil. For added flavors, brush with melted butter, garlic butter or your favorite sauce glaze.

3. Place chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet or pan lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup.

4. Bake at 400°F until the internal temperature in the thickest part reaches 165°F. Refer to the bake time estimates above for approximate cooking times per pound.

5. Once baked, remove from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving for super moist and tender chicken.

6. Check for doneness and enjoy! The skin should be browned and crisp. The meat will be opaque throughout.

Preventing Dry, Overcooked Chicken

To prevent dried out chicken, avoid these mistakes:

• Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to prevent overbaking.

• Cooking at too high temperature – Try 350°F instead of 425°F.

• Forgetting to rest – Always let it rest after baking so juices redistribute.

• Skipping brining – Brining makes a big difference in moisture.

• Not monitoring closely – Check sooner if using smaller boneless cuts.

How to Tell If Chicken is Done

Checking doneness of baked chicken:

• Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest area. It should read 165°F for food safety.

• Juices should run clear when pierced with tip of a knife. Pink or red juices mean undercooked.

• The meat will appear opaque throughout rather than having any translucent areas when cut into.

• The bones should wiggle loosely when twisted rather than being firmly attached.

Always err on the side of caution to ensure fully cooked chicken. If unsure, bake for a bit longer.

Cooking Bone-In vs Boneless Chicken

• Boneless – Cooks faster since bone doesn’t act as an insulator. Increased risk of drying out.

• Bone-in – Requires longer time. Bones help retain moisture. Skin crisps up nicely.

Bone-in thighs and drumsticks are great oven-baked since they stay so juicy. Boneless breasts need extra care not to overcook.

Baking Whole Chicken vs Parts

Whole chicken

• Takes longer to fully cook (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).

• Provides presentation as an impressive meal centerpiece.

• Offers convenience of cooking an entire bird at once.

Chicken parts

• Cook more quickly than a whole bird.

• Allow mixing up flavors and cooking techniques like marinades.

• Let you easily remove done pieces from the oven separately.

Top Tips for Baked Chicken Perfection

Follow these tips for your best oven-baked chicken yet:

• Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and baking for crispy browned skin.

• Brine chicken in a saltwater solution before baking to make it unbelievably moist and flavorful.

• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature.

• Preheat the oven fully before placing chicken inside to prevent uneven cooking.

• Allow the chicken to rest after baking for juicier, more tender meat.

Creative Ways to Bake Chicken

Take your oven-baked chicken to the next level with these flavorful recipes:

• Balsamic glaze chicken – Brush bone-in chicken with a glaze of balsamic, brown sugar and garlic before baking.

• Chicken cordon bleu – Stuff boneless breasts with ham and cheese for a restaurant-worthy meal.

• Chicken fajitas – Top baked chicken with peppers, onions and Mexican spices.

• Buffalo chicken wings – Toss bone-in wings in buffalo sauce and bake until crispy.

So next time you’re making dinner, refer to this handy guide for how long to bake chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. With the proper bake time and these expert tips, you’ll be enjoying tender, juicy chicken with beautiful browned skin every time.

The ideal baking temperature for chicken depends on the cut and desired outcome.