Does it take longer to cook chicken breast with bone in?
Rachel Fowler
Updated on March 28, 2026
Does it take longer to cook chicken breast with bone in?
Bone-in chicken does take longer to cook, but having a bone keeps the meat juicier for longer and can create a better finished product when done correctly. To lower the fat content of bone-in chicken, remove the skin before cooking.
How do you keep chicken breast moist when baking?
To start, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of salt for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won’t be dry or tough.
How long does it take to bake bone in chicken breast at 375?
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Bake in preheated oven until chicken meat is no longer pink at the bone and the juices run clear, 45 to 60 minutes.
What temperature should bone in chicken be cooked at?
165°F
Roasting
| Cut | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Bone-in breast Small piece (170 g raw) Large piece (250 g raw) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Bone-in legs Small piece (200 g raw) Large piece (300 g raw) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Ground chicken patties (120 g raw) | 165°F (74°C) |
| Whole chicken – stuffed (1.5 kg raw) | 180°F (82°C) |
Should I bake chicken breast covered or uncovered?
Baked chicken breasts may benefit from a light cover to keep them moist. If want crispy skin, however, don’t cover your chicken. Tender, braised dishes benefit from a lid that keeps in the steam, but when you want a roast chicken with crisp skin, leave the covering off.
Do you cover chicken when baking?
Baking chicken at home (whether as pieces or a whole bird) is really as easy as prep and bake. You never have to worry about covering chicken while baking, as it’s fine to bake it uncovered, and once your chicken is in the oven, it’s hands-free until you need to check the temperature.
How long should you bake chicken breasts at 350?
Bake a 4-oz. chicken breast at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165˚F (74˚C).
