Temperature for Chicken (Cooked Chicken 101)

How to Properly Cook Chicken – From the right chicken temperature to tips for how long to cook, here is everything you need to know for cooking perfect chicken breast, thighs, and more!

It is no surprise to learn that chicken is the #1 most popular type of poultry sold in the US – and, indeed, the world!

Tender, juicy, mouthwatering chicken is a staple protein for breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes. Both white and dark meat sections are delicious, versatile, and quite healthy when you compare them to other proteins like red meat. What’s not to love?

To really enjoy this delectable meat you absolutely need to ensure it is thoroughly cooked before eating. (No one wants to bite into a piece of raw chicken!) There are reasons to cook chicken at different times and temps, such as extra-large or small pieces, whole chicken roasts, special rubs or crusts, etc… But here we share the standard cooking temperatures and recommend times for how long to cook boneless and bone-in chicken at 350 degrees, 400 degrees, etc. – plus our top tips!

This will ensure the poultry meat is cooked properly every time, moist and tender, with clear juice when you cut into it.

Let’s first get this important information out of the way…

What Is The Safe Internal Temperature For Chicken?

The minimum internal temperature of properly cooked chicken is 165 degrees F, according to USDA food safety recommendations. Cooking poultry to this temperature will protect you from consuming harmful bacteria like salmonella.

Use an instant-read thermometer to be sure this temp is reached after cooking but before the meat rests. I highly suggest a digital meat thermometer for the most accurate reading.

Make sure to sink the food thermometer deep into the thickest part of the chicken pieces for an accurate reading.

Top Chicken Cooking Tips

• Brining the meat is a great way to add internal flavor and juiciness, if you have time.
• Always pat the chicken pieces dry before seasoning or breading.
• We recommend you never boil chicken. All stovetop methods mentioned in this guide are for sautéing or pan-frying chicken.
• If deep frying, our cooking times assume the chicken is breaded.
• Make sure to oil the pan or use parchment paper or foil when baking/roasting chicken.
• For slow cooker and instant pot methods, always add some water or broth to the bottom of the pot. Usually 2 cups for slow cookers, and 1 cup for instant pots.
• Make sure to add pieces of chicken to an air fryer in a single layer. Never stack the pieces.
• Again: Always check the internal temperature for doneness.

Keep reading our handy guidelines for how to cook perfect boneless and bone-in chicken breast pieces, thighs, drumsticks, wings, and more!

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Meat

• On the Stovetop – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for about 12 minutes.
• In the Oven – 400°F for 15-20 minutes. (20-25 minutes for extra large breasts.)
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – Low heat for about 3 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 8-10 minutes, then Natural Release (10-12 minutes from frozen) 
• In the Air Fryer – 370°F for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total.

For quick reference, here are more specific chicken temps and times for average-size pieces:

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast at 350? 20-25 minutes

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast at 375? 17-22 minutes

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast at 400? 15-20 minutes

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast at 425? 13-18 minute

How Long to Cook Chicken Breast at 450? 12-15 minutes

Here are some fabulous Boneless Chicken Breast Recipes for you to try:

• Roman Chicken with Peppers and Onions
• Tavern Fried Chicken
• 4-Ingredient Magic Grilled Chicken
• Bistro Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
• Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken
• Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Roll-Ups
• Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Breast

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs

• On the Stovetop – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 3-4 minutes per side, 6-8 minutes total.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for about 15 minutes.
• In the Oven – 400°F for 20-22 minutes. 
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 4-5 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – Low heat for about 3 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 10 minutes, then Natural Release (12 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 380°F for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total.

Here are some fabulous Boneless Chicken Thighs recipes for you to try:

• Jamaican Jerk Chicken Thighs
• Firecracker Chicken
• Pozole Verde (Chicken Posole)
• Instant Pot Italian Chicken Orzo
• Simple Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken
• Parmesan Lemon Chicken and Rice Skillet

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Bone-In Chicken Breasts

• On the Stovetop – Not the best cooking method.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for 15 minutes. 
• In the Oven – 425°F for 40-45 minutes. 
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 15 minutes per side, 30 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – High heat for about 3-4 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 10 minutes, then Natural Release (20 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 380°F for 23-25 minutes, skin side up.

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Bone-In Chicken Quarters

• On the Stovetop – Not the best cooking method.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for 15-18 minutes. 
• In the Oven – 425°F for 40-45 minutes. 
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 15-18 minutes per side, 30-36 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – High heat for about 3-4 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 12 minutes, then Natural Release (20 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 380°F for 25-27 minutes, skin side up.

Here are some fabulous Bone-In Chicken recipes for you to try:

• How to BBQ Chicken
• Grilled Mustard Maple Chicken
• Pollo Asado (Mexican Grilled Chicken)
• Jamaican Curry Chicken with Vegetables
• Easy Peri Peri Chicken Recipe

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Bone-In Chicken Thighs, Wings, and Drumsticks

• On the Stovetop – Not the best cooking method.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for 15 minutes. 
• In the Oven – 425°F for 40-45 minutes. 
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 15 minutes per side, 30 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – High heat for about 3-4 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 10 minutes, then Natural Release (20 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 380°F for 23-25 minutes, skin side up.

Here are some more fabulous Bone-In Chicken Thighs recipes for you to try:

• Instant Pot Sweet Soy Chicken Thighs
• Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
• Cuban Arroz con Pollo
• Perfect Baked Chicken Thighs
• Creamy Coq au Vin

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Whole Roast Chicken

• On the Stovetop – Not the best cooking method.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for 25-30 minutes. 
• In the Oven – 450°F for 45 minutes, then 350°F for 75 minutes, 2 hours total. (2.5 hours if there is stuffing in the cavity.)
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 75-90 minutes, rotating sides.
• In the Slow Cooker – High heat for about 4 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 28 minutes, then Natural Release 
• In the Air Fryer – 360°F for 30 minutes per side, 60 minutes total.

Here are some fabulous Whole Chicken recipes for you to try:

• Honey Orange Roasted Chicken
• Coca-Cola Spatchcock Chicken
• Chicken Vesuvio (Italian Baked Chicken and Potatoes)
• Southern Chicken Salad

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenders

• On the Stovetop – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 3-4 minutes per side, 6-8 minutes total.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for about 8-10 minutes.
• In the Oven – 400°F for 15-20 minutes. 
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 3-4 minutes per side, 6-8 minutes total.
• In the Slow Cooker – Low heat for about 3 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 8 minutes, then Natural Release (10 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 380°F for 4-5 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes total.

Here are some fabulous Boneless Chicken Tenders recipes for you to try:

• Southwest Chicken Caesar Salad
• Best Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
• Thai Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
• Chicken Piccata Pasta
• Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Go-To Cooking Time and Temperature for Bone-In Chicken Wings

• On the Stovetop – Medium heat, 10 minutes per side, 20 minutes total.
• In the Deep Fryer – 350°F for 10-12 minutes. 
• In the Oven – 450°F for 45 minutes, flipping after 25 minutes.
• On the Grill – Medium heat (350-400°F) for 20-30 minutes, turning every 5-8 minutes.
• In the Slow Cooker – High heat for about 2 ½ – 3 hours.
• In the Instant Pot – Pressure Cook High for 10 minutes, then Natural Release (15 minutes from frozen)
• In the Air Fryer – 360°F for 12 minutes per side, 24 minutes total.

Here are some fabulous Bone-In Chicken Wings recipes for you to try:

• Habanero Peach Grilled Chicken Wings
• Chili Lime Baked Chicken Wings
• Baked Lemon Pepper Wings
• Spicy Oven Chicken Wings
• Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chicken safe at 145 degrees?

To put it simply, no. The internal temperature for chicken needs to be 165°F to ensure it’s properly cooked.

Is slightly pink chicken ok?

The meat color does not necessarily match with doneness, so if the pieces have all reached 165 degrees F it should be safe to eat. Even properly cooked poultry can tend to have a slight pink color, especially around the bone and in dark meat pieces.

Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400?

With our guide here you will have no problem cooking perfectly tender chicken at either temperature. The real difference is the amount of time the poultry will require at the different temps. Pieces cooked at 400°F cook more quickly, but you also run the risk of drying out the meat if not done properly.

Follow our tips above for how long to cook chicken at 350°F and how long to cook chicken at 400°F to see the specific time differences for each cut of meat.

What is the best way to store cooked chicken?

Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Cooked chicken will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

It also freezes very well! Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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