When cooking chicken, one of the most common questions is “how long does it need to cook per pound?” The cooking time can vary based on a few factors, including the cut and thickness of the chicken, the cooking method, and whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in. Having a general guideline for how long to cook chicken breasts, thighs, drumsticks, and wings per pound can help ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and turns out moist and delicious.
Quick Answer
As a general rule of thumb:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound
- Bone-in chicken breasts: Cook for 18-25 minutes per pound
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Cook for 10-12 minutes per pound
- Bone-in chicken thighs: Cook for 22-28 minutes per pound
- Chicken drumsticks: Cook for 30-35 minutes per pound
- Chicken wings: Cook for 18-22 minutes per pound
However, keep reading for more details on how long to cook different cuts of chicken per pound based on various cooking methods and considerations.
Cooking Time Per Pound for Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are one of the most popular cuts of chicken for their lean, mild flavor. However, they can easily dry out if overcooked, so properly monitoring cooking times is important.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, the recommended cooking time is 8-10 minutes per pound at 350°F. So for example:
- 1 pound of chicken breasts – cook for 8-10 minutes total
- 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts – cook for 12-15 minutes total
- 2 pounds of chicken breasts – cook for 16-20 minutes total
The thickness of the breasts will also affect cook time. Thicker pieces may need closer to 10 minutes per pound, while thinner pieces can cook closer to 8 minutes per pound.
Bone-In Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts cooked on the bone take longer to cook than boneless. For bone-in chicken breasts, cook for 18-25 minutes per pound at 350°F. For example:
- 1 pound of bone-in breasts – cook for 18-25 minutes
- 2 pounds of bone-in breasts – cook for 36-50 minutes
The variance in time allows for differences in the size and thickness of the breasts. Larger, thicker bone-in breasts may need the full 25 minutes per pound, while smaller breast pieces may only need 18 minutes per pound.
Cooking Methods
For both boneless and bone-in chicken breasts, the cooking time per pound may vary slightly depending on the cooking method:
- Baked: Baked chicken breasts are cooked in the oven, usually in a baking dish. Follow the same timing guidelines outlined above at 350°F.
- Grilled: Chicken grills faster than baking. Subtract about 2-3 minutes per pound when grilling boneless breasts directly over medium heat.
- Pan-fried or sautéed: Chicken breasts cook faster in direct contact with the pan. Use 7-8 minutes per pound as a guideline.
- Slow cooker: In a slow cooker, chicken breasts take 2-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high for 1-2 pounds of meat.
- Poached: Simmering boneless breasts in liquid on the stovetop will take 7-10 minutes per pound until cooked through.
Safe Internal Temperature
Regardless of cooking method, chicken breasts should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer. Checking with a thermometer is more reliable than relying solely on cook time.
Doneness Cues
Visual and textural cues that indicate chicken breasts are fully cooked:
- Opaque white throughout
- Juices run clear when pierced with a knife
- Meat flakes/shreds easily with a fork
Cooking Time Per Pound for Chicken Thighs
Chicken thighs have more fat and connective tissue than breasts, so they can withstand longer cooking times without drying out. Here is how long chicken thighs need per pound:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs
Cook boneless, skinless thighs for 10-12 minutes per pound at 350°F. Some examples:
- 1 pound – cook for 10-12 minutes
- 1.5 pounds – cook for 15-18 minutes
- 2 pounds – cook for 20-24 minutes
Bone-In Chicken Thighs
Bone-in thighs take 22-28 minutes per pound at 350°F. For example:
- 1 pound – cook for 22-28 minutes
- 2 pounds – cook for 44-56 minutes
Larger or meatier thighs may need the full 28 minutes per pound, while smaller pieces can cook for 22 minutes per pound.
Cooking Methods
For boneless or bone-in thighs, cooking times can vary based on method:
- Baked: Follow general timing recommendations at 350°F.
- Grilled: Grill for 18-20 minutes per pound over medium heat.
- Sautéed or pan-fried: Cook for 8-10 minutes per pound, turning occasionally.
- Slow cooker: Cook thighs for 4-6 hours on low or 2-4 hours on high.
- Braised: Braise bone-in thighs for 1-1.5 hours until fork tender.
Internal Temperature & Doneness
Chicken thighs are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Indications they are fully cooked:
- Meat is opaque throughout
- Juices run clear when pierced
- Meat starts to pull away from the bone (for bone-in)
Cooking Time Per Pound for Chicken Drumsticks
Chicken drumsticks take longer to cook through due to the thicker, fattier dark meat and bone. Cook them for:
- 30-35 minutes per pound at 350°F
A few examples for drumsticks:
- 1 pound – cook for 30-35 minutes
- 2 pounds – cook for 60-70 minutes
- 3 pounds – cook for 90-105 minutes
Smaller or thinner drumsticks may take closer to 30 minutes per pound, while larger or meatier pieces may need the full 35 minutes per pound. Cooking methods like grilling, sautéing, or pressure cooking can shorten the time slightly as well.
Chicken drumsticks should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Signs they are fully cooked include skin pulling back from the ends of the bone and meat shrinking back slightly.
Cooking Time Per Pound for Chicken Wings
Chicken wings typically take 18-22 minutes per pound to cook in the oven at 350°F. For example:
- 1 pound – cook for 18-22 minutes
- 2 pounds – cook for 36-44 minutes
Smaller wings may take closer to 18 minutes, while larger drummettes or flats may need the full 22 minutes per pound. Other cooking methods like frying, grilling, or air frying can shorten the cook time slightly.
Chicken wings are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F and the skin is crispy. The meat should also pull away from the tip of the bone slightly.
Factors That Affect Chicken Cook Times
There are a few factors that can affect how long chicken needs to cook per pound besides just the cut of meat:
- Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in chicken takes longer since the bones partially insulate the meat. Remove 5-15 minutes per pound for boneless.
- Size and thickness: Larger, thicker pieces of chicken require more cook time than smaller, thinner pieces of the same cut.
- Cooking method: Faster, more direct heat from grilling, broiling, sautéing, or pressure cooking reduces cook time.
- Cooking temperature: Chicken cooks more quickly at higher oven temperatures like 400-450°F.
- Frozen vs thawed: Frozen chicken can take 50% longer to cook through than thawed chicken.
Taking these factors into account when estimating cook times can prevent over or undercooked chicken.
Common Chicken Cook Times
For quick reference, here are approximate cook times and internal temperatures for some of the most popular ways to cook chicken:
| Chicken Cut | Cooking Method | Cook Time Per Pound | Minimum Internal Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast (boneless) | Baked | 8-10 minutes at 350°F | 165°F |
| Chicken breast (bone-in) | Baked | 18-25 minutes at 350°F | 165°F |
| Chicken thighs (boneless) | Sautéed | 8-10 minutes over medium heat | 165°F |
| Chicken thighs (bone-in) | Braised | 1-1.5 hours simmering | 165°F |
| Chicken drumsticks | Grilled | 25-30 minutes over medium heat | 165°F |
| Chicken wings | Fried | 15-18 minutes at 350°F | 165°F |
Tips for Cooking Chicken
Here are some helpful tips for cooking chicken so it turns out juicy and delicious every time:
- Always use a food thermometer to check internal temperature, especially for large cuts like a whole chicken or turkey.
- Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Brining chicken in saltwater before cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- Avoid washing raw chicken, which can spread bacteria. Just pat dry with paper towels.
- When baking chicken, toss pieces in oil or melted butter first for browning and extra juiciness.
- Try pounding thicker chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I cook chicken from frozen or after thawing?
It is best to thaw chicken in the refrigerator before cooking for food safety reasons. Frozen chicken can take 50% longer to cook, meaning the outside will dry out before the inside is cooked through. Letting chicken gradually thaw in the fridge overnight leads to the most moist, evenly cooked meat.
2. Is pink chicken safe to eat?
No, raw or undercooked chicken with pink flesh is unsafe because it may contain harmful bacteria. Chicken should always be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shows no visible pink when cut into. The only exception is if the pink color comes from a marinade or smoke flavoring.
3. Can I reuse marinade from raw chicken as a sauce after cooking?
It is not recommended to reuse marinade from raw chicken or meat. Marinade can harbor salmonella and other bacteria that are only destroyed by thorough cooking. If you want to use the marinade as a sauce, reserve a portion before marinating the raw chicken.
4. Is it necessary to wash chicken before cooking it?
Washing raw chicken is generally not recommended, as it can splash bacteria onto kitchen surfaces and utensils. Simply pat chicken dry with paper towels. Thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F will kill any bacteria present.
5. Can I cook chicken straight from the freezer?
It’s possible but not ideal. Frozen chicken may take 50% longer to cook through than thawed chicken. This will likely lead to drier, overcooked meat on the outside by the time the inside cooks fully. For best results, thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Conclusion
Determining the right chicken cook time per pound is an important step in preparing juicy, flavorful chicken dishes. Keep these guidelines handy for different cuts of chicken, cooking methods, and internal temperature. Be sure to use a food thermometer for the most reliable doneness test. Following proper cooking times and temperature guidelines will help ensure your chicken stays moist and safe to eat.
