How long does it take to bake chicken?

Depending on the size and portion of the chicken, baking times can vary anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Time may also vary based on what oven temperature is being used.

Baking a whole chicken, depending on its weight, can take two or more hours to cook thoroughly through and to bring the meat to the proper temperature for consumption. Baking chicken legs or thighs can take considerably less time, as little as 30 minutes, depending on cooking temperature and what other ingredients are being cooked with the chicken. Baking chicken is often considered a much healthier alternative to frying.