How long do you cook chicken? Seems simple enough until the unknowing chef bites into a juicy piece of meat that should of been left in for another twenty minutes. To know how long to cook chicken you must understand a couple of key factors that will forever enhance your chicken cooking experience.

To fully cook chicken through, the internal temperature should reach a minimum of 160 degrees to ensure that all bacteria has died. 180 degrees is preferred.

Ok, So how long do you cook chicken then?

This will usually take 30 minutes to an hour, but any set in stone cooking times should be questioned, seeing as there are many variables to cooking meat.

Cook chicken between 350 and 375 degrees.

When cooking chicken, it depends on weight, heat and time.

If this is a whole chicken you’re cooking and not just a chicken breast, usually 18 minutes a pound as a rough estimate. Gauge by the internal temperature of the bird.

When you cook chicken, make sure that there are no pink juices running from it, just clear. This is also a great way to ensure that the chicken has finished cooking through.

Marinate your chicken beforehand to prevent dry chicken, See For Moist Boneless Chicken Breast.

Now you know! Next time someone ask you, how long do you cook chicken, don’t give them a set time, because that’s always a novice chef mistake. Tell them that if you want to cook chicken then wait for the internal temperature to reach 160-180 degrees.