how long does it take to cook bone in chicken breast at 350

How Long Does It Take to Cook Bone-In Chicken Breast at 350 Degrees? The Complete Guide

Cooking bone-in chicken breast to juicy tender perfection can seem daunting for many home cooks. With the bone still attached, it requires special considerations regarding temperature, time, and technique to achieve optimal results. In this comprehensive guide we will walk through everything you need to know to master baking bone-in chicken breasts at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is Bone-In Chicken Breast?

Bone-in chicken breast refers to a chicken breast with the bone still intact, as opposed to a boneless skinless breast. Chicken breasts are comprised of the pectoral muscles on both sides of the breastbone. A whole bone-in chicken breast includes this breastbone connected to both sides.

When purchasing bone-in chicken breasts from the grocery store, they are typically already “split”, meaning the breast has been cut in half into two pieces with a portion of breastbone attached to each. This makes them easier to work with than an entire breast.

Benefits of Cooking Bone-In Chicken Breasts

There are several advantages to baking chicken on the bone rather than boneless:

• More flavor – The bone imparts additional flavor as the meat cooks. The bone also holds natural juices, keeping the meat moist and tasty.

• Lower cost – Bone-in chicken breasts are usually cheaper per pound than boneless skinless breasts. You get more for your money.

• Adds nutrients – Bones contain calcium, phosphorus, and other minerals that dissolve into the meat during cooking.

• Cooks more evenly – The bone conducts heat through the meat, leading to even cooking throughout.

• Stays juicier – The bone insulates the meat, slowing cooking and retaining moisture.

• Easy to portion – The bone makes it easy to cut perfect servings.

Factors That Affect Cooking Time

Several factors impact how long it takes to bake bone-in chicken breasts at 350°F to perfection:

• Thickness – The thicker the breast, the longer the cook time. Thinner cuts will be done faster.

• Bone size – Larger bones retain more heat, increasing cook time slightly. Smaller bones mean slightly quicker cooking.

• Brined or not – Brining chicken prior to cooking increases moisture and extends cook time.

• Fresh or frozen – Frozen breasts take significantly longer than fresh.

• Your oven – Every oven is slightly different. Get to know yours.

• Quantity – Cooking more chicken breasts increases baking time.

Typical Cooking Times for Bone-In Chicken Breasts

As a general guideline when baking at 350°F:

• Small bone-in breasts (6-8 oz): 30-35 minutes

• Medium bone-in breasts (8-12 oz): 35-40 minutes

• Large bone-in breasts (12-16 oz): 40-50 minutes

• Extra large bone-in breasts (16+ oz): 50-60+ minutes

These cooking times are for fresh, not frozen chicken. Frozen will require longer. Always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness as discussed next.

Checking Temperature for Doneness

The best way to ensure bone-in chicken breasts are fully cooked through is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

To check, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, taking care that it is not touching bone. Let it sit for 15 seconds to get an accurate reading.

For optimum moisture, pull chicken from the oven at 155°F and let the temperature rise to 165°F from carryover cooking. If under 155°F, return to oven until 165°F.

Seasoning and Flavoring Bone-In Chicken Breasts

One of the pleasures of cooking bone-in chicken breast is the opportunity to add flavor. Consider these easy seasoning methods:

• Dry rub – Coat with spices, herbs, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, etc.

• Marinade – Soak in a marinade up to a day before cooking.

• Brine – Soak in a saltwater brine solution to add moisture and flavor.

• Compound butter – Slather with a compound butter under and on skin.

• Stuffing – Carefully loosen skin to stuff with herb mixtures.

• Sauces – Brush with barbecue sauce, teriyaki, etc. in the last 5-10 minutes.

Pro Tip: For crispy skin, coat with a light layer of oil or brush melted butter before baking.

How to Bake Bone-In Chicken Breasts to Perfection

Follow these simple steps for baked bone-in chicken breast success:

1. Pat chicken dry and season all over.

2. Preheat oven to 350°F.

3. Arrange chicken skin-side up on a baking sheet or pan.

4. Bake until thermometer reaches 155°F when inserted in thickest part.

5. Remove chicken and tent with foil. Let rest 5-10 minutes until 165°F.

6. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful baked bone-in chicken breast!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Bone-In Chicken Breasts

The uses for baked bone-in chicken breasts are endless. Some tasty serving ideas include:

• Chicken sandwiches or wraps

• Chicken salad with mayo, celery, onions, etc.

• Chopped chicken added to pasta, rice bowls, etc.

• Slice and use in stir-fries, fajitas, etc.

• Dice and put in soups, casseroles, chicken pot pie

• Use in any recipe calling for cooked chicken

Storing and Freezing Cooked Bone-In Chicken Breasts

Leftover baked bone-in chicken breasts will keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze chicken up to 3 months. Cool chicken completely before freezing, and wrap tightly or place in airtight containers. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge before use. Reheat gently to 165°F.

Get Comfortable with Cooking Times

Mastering how long it takes to bake bone-in chicken breasts is a valuable skill every home cook should learn. While general guidelines for oven temperature and timing at 350°F are provided here, the nuances of your specific breasts, oven, and desired doneness level will inform what works best for you.

With practice, you will gain an intuitive sense of exactly how long your bone-in breasts need. Before long, you will be serving up tender, juicy baked chicken breasts at 350°F to your delighted family and friends with total confidence.