This oven roasted whole chicken is perfectly seasoned with juicy meat, crispy skin and the best flavor. Easy roast chicken is a classic dish, ready in an hour and my go-to recipe!.
It might seem impossible to cook chicken at a high temperature like 450 degrees Fahrenheit. You might be afraid that the chicken will dry out or not cook enough. But if you do it right, roasting chicken over high heat is a quick and easy way to make chicken that is juicy and has crispy skin.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook chicken perfectly at 450 degrees. You’ll learn how to adapt cooking times for different cuts and sizes of chicken. We’ll also share tips to ensure your chicken comes out moist and flavorful every time. Let’s get cooking!
Factors That Determine Chicken Cooking Time at 450°F
Several factors impact how long chicken needs to cook at 450 degrees Fahrenheit
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A bone-in piece, a boneless skinless breast, or a whole chicken are the most common cuts of chicken. Bone-in and whole chickens take longer than boneless breasts.
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Bone vs boneless: Bones act as insulation slowing cooking. Boneless cooks faster.
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Skin on vs skinless: Skin also insulates the meat, so skinless cooks more quickly.
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Thickness/size: The thicker and larger the cut, the longer the cook time.
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Thawed vs. frozen: cooking frozen chicken takes 50% longer because it needs to thaw while it cooks. Always let frozen chicken thaw in the fridge for one to two days before cooking it.
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Marinated or not: Acidic marinades denature proteins requiring a bit more time to cook through.
Knowing how these factors impact cook time gives you control over the results.
Recommended Chicken Cook Times at 450°F
These are some general rules for how long to cook different types and sizes of chicken at 450°F:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz): 15-18 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts (6-8 oz): 25-30 minutes
- Chicken thighs (4-8 oz): 30-35 minutes
- Drumsticks: 30-35 minutes
- Mixed bone-in chicken pieces: 35-40 minutes
- Whole chicken (3-5 lbs): 60-80 minutes
The best way to ensure any size or cut of chicken reaches a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked at 165°F.
Always allow chicken to rest 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum tenderness and flavor. Tenting foil over chicken while it rests keeps it piping hot.
Tips for Moist, Juicy Chicken
Follow these tips for foolproof juicy roasted chicken at 450°F every time:
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Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown faster for crispy skin. Wet chicken steam cooks.
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Use a roasting pan with a rack to allow air flow all around. This gives even cooking and crispy skin.
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Brush with oil to encourage browning and crispy skin. Olive oil is ideal for its high smoke point.
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Season generously with salt, pepper and spices or herb rubs. Flavor permeates the meat better at high heat.
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Roast uncovered for maximum browning and crispy skin. Tent if chicken is browning too fast.
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Cook on lower oven rack so the heat can properly circulate around the chicken.
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Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially for large cuts like a whole chicken.
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Let rest before carving to allow juices time to redistribute through the meat.
Sample Recipe for Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Breasts
This simple baked chicken breast recipe uses the high heat roasting method for tender, juicy meat with crispy skin:
Ingredients:
- 2 bone-in chicken breasts (about 1 1⁄2 pounds)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄4 tsp paprika
Instructions:
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels and brush all over with olive oil.
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In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Season chicken all over with spice mixture.
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Place chicken skin-side up on a foil-lined baking sheet with a rack. Roast at 450°F on lower oven rack for 30-35 minutes until chicken is 165°F.
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Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
The simple combination of oil, salt, pepper and spices gives incredible flavor. Roasting at a high temperature keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender. Let the chicken rest before slicing for the juiciest results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Chicken at 450°F
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use an instant read thermometer to check for a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. Check in the thickest part of the meat without touching any bones. The juices should run clear with no traces of pink when chicken is pierced with a knife.
Should I brine or marinate chicken before roasting at 450°F?
Yes, brining or marinating is highly recommended. The salt in a brine seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture. An acidic marinade tenderizes the chicken. Allow 30 minutes to overnight marinating time.
Can I roast a whole chicken at 450°F?
Absolutely! Whole chickens take 60-80 minutes to roast fully at 450° depending on weight. Trussing the chicken compacts it for more even cooking. Placing the chicken breast side up allows the thicker meat to cook through.
What temperature should I reheat leftover roasted chicken?
Reheat leftover chicken to 165°F. Slice or shred chicken and reheat in a 350°F oven, saute pan, or microwave until hot throughout. For crispy skin, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes.
Is high heat roasting safe for chicken?
Yes, as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The Maillard reaction from high heat roasting gives incredible caramelized flavor. Just monitor closely near the end of cooking to avoid over browning.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Chicken Every Time
Cooking chicken at 450 degrees Fahrenheit may seem intimidating, but it’s actually an easy, quick and delicious way to get weeknight dinner on the table. With the proper technique, you’ll get juicy, tender chicken with beautifully crisped skin.
The keys are using the right cut, size and thickness of chicken for the cooking time, seasoning generously, and following the recipe tips outlined above. Investing in an instant read thermometer gives you perfect results every time.
The next time a recipe calls for oven roasted chicken, don’t be afraid to turn up the heat! At 450°F, you’ll get the best flavors, textures and overall quality. Crispy, juicy roasted chicken can be on your table in about 30 minutes thanks to high heat cooking. Give it a try tonight!
How Long to Roast a Whole Chicken
A good rule of thumb is to roast chicken at 450°F for about 11 to 12 minutes per pound. This means that a fresh 5 to 5 5 pound whole chicken, I recommended cooking it at 450°F for 45-60 minutes uncovered.
Cover with aluminum foil if the chicken skin starts to burn during the last 10-15 minutes.
Keep in mind that every oven works a little differently! To see if the chicken is ready to be taken out of the oven, use a meat thermometer. Simply stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh to check if it’s done. The temperature should be between 160-165°F.
- Use an oven safe pan. A large roasting pan will work, but I like cast iron better.
- Use a meat thermometer. Set yourself up for success by using a meat thermometer. This will help you keep track of how your chicken is baking and the right temperature.
- Add-ins: Put onions, lemon, garlic, thyme or parsley, and lemon all inside the chicken. Italian seasoning, salt and pepper are also a great combination. As an extra, you can add vegetables like carrots and potatoes.
- Don’t skip letting the chicken rest. The meat can be dry if you cut it right out of the oven. By letting the meat rest, the pan juices can be redistributed, making this the best roast chicken recipe ever!
- Use a sharp carving knife. After letting the chicken rest, cut it up with a sharp knife.
My favorite way to serve whole roast chicken is with mashed potatoes or rice and sheet pan veggies with dinner rolls. You could also add the chicken to a salad, make chicken salad or this chicken and rice soup.
- Store: Roast chicken is great for making ahead of time meals! Let it cool completely, then put any leftovers in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for five to seven days.
- Freeze: Cut the chicken into strips or pieces, then shred it or cut it into slices. Put the chicken in a container or Ziploc bag that can be sealed and freeze for up to three months.
Easy Whole Roasted Chicken
Cooking a whole chicken (along with a whole baked ham or roasted turkey) can be intimidating, but this easy oven roasted whole chicken recipe is perfect for beginners. It’s simple and the results are impressive!.
This oven roasted chicken is juicy and flavorful, with crispy skin that is a must for roast chicken. It’s as simple to make as baking chicken breast, and you can use the dinner leftovers to make any of these recipes for rotisserie chicken!
You don’t need many ingredients or supplies for this simple roast chicken recipe. It’s a showstopper and the natural flavors shine through.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Chicken: A fresh, whole chicken that is about 5 to 5 5 pounds is perfect making an oven roasted whole chicken.
- Butter makes the inside of the chicken soft and juicy, and the outside gets crispy. You can use olive oil instead of butter too.
- Kosher salt: Added just for seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- All-purpose steak seasoning has all the spice and seasoning you could want in one container.