Does chicken parts need to be at room temp before baking?

Here's why:

* Food Safety: Leaving chicken at room temperature for extended periods allows bacteria to multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of food poisoning.

* Consistent Cooking: Baking chicken from a cold state ensures it cooks evenly. Room temperature chicken can have uneven cooking due to some parts being warmer than others.

Best Practices:

1. Refrigerate chicken: Store chicken properly in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook it.

2. Bake directly from the refrigerator: There's no need to wait for it to warm up.

3. Adjust Cooking Time: If baking chicken straight from the fridge, add a few minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's cooked through.

Exception:

While generally not recommended, some recipes might call for bringing chicken to room temperature. However, this is usually for specific reasons like searing a steak or making a specific dish. Always follow the recipe instructions carefully.

Remember, food safety is paramount. Always prioritize keeping chicken chilled until ready to cook.