Cooking cut up chicken can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques and timing. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or an elegant meal for guests, perfectly cooked chicken is achievable with some simple guidance. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make juicy, flavorful cut up chicken every time.
What is Cut Up Chicken?
Cut up chicken refers to a whole chicken that has been divided into smaller pieces This is different than buying packaged chicken breasts or thighs, as you are cutting up a whole bird yourself There are several benefits to using cut up chicken
- More affordable than buying chicken pieces individually
- Can customize pieces based on your needs
- Allows for varied cooking methods for different pieces
- Promotes evenly sized pieces for even cooking
Common cuts when working with a whole chicken are breasts, thighs, drumsticks, wings, and sometimes leg quarters. Having uniform sizes will help ensure consistent cooking.
Factors that Determine Cook Time
Many elements impact how long cut up chicken takes to cook Consider these factors for the best results
Size of the Pieces
The thicker the chicken pieces, the longer they will need to cook. Thinner cuts like wings and small breast chunks will cook faster than a whole leg quarter.
Bone-in vs. Boneless
Boneless pieces will cook more quickly than bone-in. The bones conduct heat slower than the meat.
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temps shorten cooking time but can dry out the chicken. Lower oven temps take longer but keep meat juicier.
Oven Type
Convection ovens circulate air for faster, even cooking. Non-convection ovens will require longer cook times.
Marinades and Seasonings
Marinated and heavily seasoned chicken may require slightly longer cooking than plain chicken.
Recommended Cook Times
Here are general guidelines for baking cut up chicken in a 350°F oven:
- Boneless breasts – 30-40 minutes
- Bone-in breasts – 35-45 minutes
- Boneless thighs – 25-35 minutes
- Bone-in thighs – 35-45 minutes
- Drumsticks – 40-50 minutes
- Wings – 20-30 minutes
Always verify doneness by checking the internal temperature of the thickest part of each piece, not just relying on cook times.
How to Tell When Chicken is Done
These are foolproof ways to test for doneness:
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Use a meat thermometer – Insert into the thickest part of the meat, away from bones. Chicken is done at 165°F.
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Do the fork test – Use a fork to prick the chicken. If juices run clear, it’s done. If pink or red, needs more time.
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Look for visual cues – Chicken is done when it is opaque all the way through with no pink showing. Bones should wiggle freely.
Allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Seasoning and Flavoring Cut Up Chicken
One of the best parts of cooking cut up chicken is tailoring flavors to each piece. Consider these seasoning ideas:
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Dry seasoning – Coat chicken with spices before cooking. Try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Wet marinades – Soak chicken in marinades for added moisture and flavor. Lemon juice, yogurt, buttermilk, wine, and herbs make excellent marinades.
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Sauces and glazes – Brush sauces on chicken during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a glossy finish. Barbeque sauce, teriyaki, honey mustard work well.
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Compound butters – Place slices of flavored butter under chicken skin or coat on top for richness. Try herbs, citrus, garlic, or cheese based butters.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Results
Implement these tips for the best oven baked cut up chicken:
- Let chicken sit out 30 minutes before cooking – Helps it cook more quickly and evenly.
- Pat chicken dry – Removes excess moisture for crispy skin.
- Use a baking sheet – Provides more even cooking than a baking dish.
- Avoid overcrowding – Chicken pieces should have space between them to cook properly.
- Use a meat thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of determining doneness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when cooking cut up chicken:
- Undercooking – Leads to unsafe eating due to bacteria. Use a thermometer.
- Overcooking – Causes dry, rubbery chicken. Don’t cook past 165°F.
- Uneven cooking – Results from overcrowded pans or pieces varying in size.
- Skipping resting – Can lead to dryness as juices spill out. Always rest chicken 5+ minutes before cutting.
- Burning – Keep an eye on chicken and lower oven temp if browning too quickly.
Let’s Get Cooking – Sample Baked Chicken Recipe
Now that you know the basics, give this simple baked chicken recipe a try:
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs cut up chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Lemon wedges for serving
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Pat chicken dry and coat all over with olive oil.
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Sprinkle seasonings evenly over both sides of chicken pieces.
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Place chicken on a baking sheet in a single layer, skin side up.
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Bake 30-45 minutes until chicken is 165°F internally.
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Let rest 5 minutes then serve with lemon wedges.
Get comfortable working with cut up chicken using this straightforward method. Then explore more bold flavors and advanced techniques once you have the basics mastered. With the guidance above, you can look forward to perfectly cooked chicken any night of the week. Enjoy!
What Do You Need to Cook Chicken Pieces in a Pan
You’ll find the ingredient measurements on the recipe card below, but first, let’s see what you need to make perfectly cooked chicken with golden, crisp exteriors:
- Heavy-bottomed cast-iron or stainless steel skillet
- Cooking oil: just a little olive or neutral cooking oil.
- Spatula: to flip the chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Meat thermometer: to check for doneness.
Seasonings & Marinades for Cooked Chicken Pieces
I recommend using a seasoning blend to sprinkle over the cut chicken before cooking. The granules adhere to the surface of the chicken pieces and give them a crust.
Marinades will also add flavor, and you can marinate the uncooked chicken pieces overnight then cook it the next day. I have a collection of delicious marinades, and seasonings blends you can use that will add serious flavor.
How to breakdown a chicken
FAQ
How long to cook chopped chicken?
How long does it take to cook cut up raw chicken?
How Long to Cook Cubed Chicken Pieces in a Pan. Cubed chicken will cook in a pan in just 7 minutes. I like to give them a good sear on the first side, then flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165F, about 3 additional minutes.
How long should chicken pieces take to cook?
Sauté chicken breast for 12 to 15 minutes (6 to 8 minutes for flattened chicken or tenders) and 14 to 18 minutes for chicken thighs. Learn how to sauté chicken like a pro with tips from our Test Kitchen. Boil (poach) boneless chicken breast halves for 12 to 15 minutes and bone-in chicken breasts for about 30 minutes.
How long to cook chicken sliced up?
- Use a sharp knife to gently slice the chicken lengthwise starting from the thickest part to the thinnest (top to bottom).
- Add chicken to an oven safe baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. …
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165F).
How long does it take to cook cut-up chicken?
Cooking time for cut-up chicken can vary based on the method used and the size of the pieces. Generally, if you’re baking, it will take about 25-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for wing pieces and 30-40 minutes for leg quarters and breast pieces.
Can you cook cut-up chicken in the oven?
Cooking cut-up chicken brings several benefits: Versatility: You can season and cook each piece according to personal preference. Quicker Cooking Time: Smaller pieces typically cook faster than a whole chicken. When it comes to cooking cut-up chicken in the oven, several factors come into play to determine the ideal cooking time, including:
How to cook cut-up chicken?
1. Baking Baking is one of the most straightforward methods for cooking cut-up chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken pieces in the baking dish, and bake as per the timings outlined earlier.
What temperature should cut-up chicken be cooked at?
The general guideline for baking cut-up chicken in the oven is to cook it at 375°F (190°C). At this temperature, you can expect the following cooking times based on the specific pieces you’re using: Remember that these times may vary slightly based on your oven and the size of the chicken pieces.
How long does it take to cook chicken in the oven?
Baking: Baking cut up chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes. 4. Sautéing: Sautéing cut up chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. It’s important to note that these times are general estimates.
How long should you let cut up chicken rest before cooking?
After cooking, it’s best to let cut up chicken rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and flavorful. 12. Can I cook cut up chicken in the microwave?