How Long to Bake Chicken at 400 Uncovered

Do you love coming home to a dish of tender, juicy chicken after a long day? Baking chicken at 400 degrees uncovered is an easy way to get delicious results every time!

Our crispy and flavorful guide will show you everything you need to know about how long to bake chicken at 400°F.

Follow our tips and tricks for juicy, moist meat that satisfies your taste buds!

Which Oven Rack Do You Bake Chicken On?

How to Bake a Chicken?

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter and place the chicken. Sprinkle with salt & pepper, garlic powder, and any other herbs or seasonings of your choice.

3. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and allow a baking time of 20 minutes.

4. Remove the baking dish from the oven, turn the chicken over, and baste with melted butter or oil.

5. Return to the oven and continue baking for 20 more minutes or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

6. Once cooked, remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

For a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken in the last 5-10 minutes of baking. To do this, turn your oven to its ‘broil’ setting and place the dish on the top rack of the oven.

How Many Ounces Is an Average Chicken Breast?

Keep an eye on it, as it can burn quickly! Once you’re happy with the skin’s crispiness, serve and enjoy.

Uncovered Chicken Cooking Guide
Uncovered Chicken Cooking Guide

How Long to Bake Chicken at 400 F?

The general rule of thumb is that chicken should be baked at 400 F for 20 to 25 minutes per pound, depending on its size and whether it is wrapped in foil.

How Long to Bake Chicken at 400 F in Foil?

When baking chicken at 400 F with foil, you can reduce your cooking time by about 5 minutes per pound. This will help keep the chicken moist and juicy, but keeping the foil up for the last 10-15 minutes is important so the skin can crisp up.

How Long to Bake Chicken at 400 F Half Half Method

When baking chicken uncovered at 400 F, the skin will get nice crispiness but may dry out more quickly than when baking with foil.

If you want a juicier chicken, wrap it in aluminum foil for the first half of the cooking time and then remove it for the remaining half.

This will help create more moisture within the chicken while allowing the skin to crisp up.

This will be about 20 minutes per pound for half uncovered, half covered method, about 12 minutes uncovered and 8 covered.

How to Know Baked Uncovered Chicken is Cooked?
How to Know Baked Uncovered Chicken is Cooked?

How to Know Baked Uncovered Chicken is Cooked?

Once the chicken is removed from the oven, it’s important to check if it is thoroughly cooked. Since undercooked chicken can contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning, ensuring your chicken is fully cooked should be a priority.

The simplest way to check if your baked chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (75°C). If it’s not above that temperature, return the chicken to the oven for a few more minutes and check again.

How to Know Baked Chicken is Cooked Without a Thermometer?

Baked chicken is a simple, delicious meal that can be prepared quickly and with minimal fuss. But knowing when your chicken is cooked can be tricky without the help of a food thermometer. Here are some tips on how to tell if your baked chicken is done without using a thermometer:

1. Check the color: The most reliable way to tell if your chicken is cooked without a thermometer is to check the color. When the chicken has finished baking, it should have an even golden brown color.

2. Cut into the chicken: Cutting into the thickest part of the chicken and looking inside can help you determine doneness. The meat should be white and not pink, with no visible signs of blood.

3. Give it a shake: A nice crispy skin is also a sign that your chicken is cooked. Give the chicken a gentle shake; if the skin looks crispy and crunchy, you’re good to go!

4. Make sure the juices run clear: Juices should run clear when you insert a knife into the chicken. If there is any pink tinge to the juices, your chicken needs more time in the oven.

By following these tips, you can be sure that your baked chicken is cooked and ready to serve!

How To Stop Uncovered Chicken From Drying Out In The Oven

Baking chicken in the oven uncovered is a common method for cooking chicken, as it allows the heat to circulate around the meat and create a crispy skin. However, it can also lead to the chicken drying out if not done properly. To prevent this, it is important to season the chicken well with salt and pepper, or a marinade, before baking it. This will add flavor and moisture to the meat.

Another way to prevent the chicken from drying out is to bake it at a lower temperature. Cooking the chicken at a higher temperature will cause it to lose moisture more quickly. By baking it at a lower temperature, such as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the chicken will cook more slowly and retain more moisture.

Additionally, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken while it is baking. Chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the oven immediately to prevent further cooking and drying out.

Another tip is to tent the chicken with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, this will help to trap the moisture and keep the chicken juicy.

  1. Brine the chicken: Brining the chicken before baking it in the oven can help to keep it moist and flavorful. A simple brine solution can be made by mixing water, salt, sugar, and any desired herbs or spices. Soak the chicken in the brine for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, before baking.
  2. Baste the chicken: Basting the chicken with melted butter, oil, or pan juices during the baking process can help to keep the skin and meat moist. Use a pastry brush to apply the basting liquid every 20-30 minutes.
  3. Cook in a covered dish: Cooking the chicken in a covered dish can help to trap steam and moisture, which can help to keep the chicken from drying out. Use a lid or foil to cover the dish while baking.
  4. Rest the chicken: Once the chicken is done baking, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will prevent the chicken from drying out as you slice and serve it.

Conclusion

Baking chicken at 400 degrees uncovered is an easy, efficient way to ensure perfectly cooked poultry.

With the correct cook time of around 20 minutes per pound and some simple seasoning, you can prepare tasty chicken dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Whether you’re baking wings or a full chicken, following these instructions will guarantee that your chicken is cooked through and juicy every time.