Chicken Timer
Safe, juicy chicken every time
Always cook chicken to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. These times are guidelines - use a thermometer to be sure.
Timers for cooking eggs
Chicken breast
12 min
Pan fried
Temperature: 75°C / 165°F internal
Tip: 6 minutes per side on medium heat
Chicken thighs
15 min
Pan fried or baked
Temperature: 75°C / 165°F internal
Tip: Juicier than breast, can cook longer
Chicken wings
20 min
Baked at 400°F
Temperature: 200°C / 400°F oven
Tip: Flip halfway through
Chicken drumsticks
30 min
Baked at 400°F
Temperature: 200°C / 400°F oven
Tip: Check internal temp reaches 165°F
More Chicken Timers
Chicken Cooking Times
Chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe. These times are estimates - thickness, starting temperature, and cooking method all affect timing. When in doubt, use a meat thermometer.
| Cut | Pan/Grill | Oven (400°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Breast (boneless) | 6-8 min/side | 20-25 min |
| Thighs (boneless) | 5-7 min/side | 20-25 min |
| Thighs (bone-in) | 8-10 min/side | 35-45 min |
| Drumsticks | 10-12 min/side | 40-50 min |
| Wings | 8-10 min/side | 40-50 min |
| Whole (4 lbs) | N/A | 75-90 min |
Tips for Juicy Chicken
Pound to Even Thickness
Chicken breasts are thick on one end and thin on the other. Pound them to even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Brine Before Cooking
Soak chicken in salted water (1 tbsp salt per cup) for 30 minutes to 4 hours. It seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture.
Don't Overcook
Remove chicken at 160°F - it will continue cooking while resting and reach the safe 165°F. Overcooked chicken is dry chicken.
Rest Before Cutting
Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking. Cutting too soon lets all the juices run out.
Food Safety
Important: 165°F (74°C)
Raw chicken can contain Salmonella and other harmful bacteria. These are only killed when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- • Check temperature at the thickest part, away from bone
- • Don't rely on color alone - use a thermometer
- • Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils after handling raw chicken
- • Never put cooked chicken on a plate that held raw chicken