Our simple Roast Chicken recipe is moist, flavorful, and makes a beautiful meal with little effort. It only takes 15 minutes to prep and is baked in a pan with roasted vegetables.
Cooking chicken can seem daunting, especially trying to figure out exactly how long to cook it. The time needed can vary based on several factors including the size and cut of the chicken the cooking method used, and whether or not it is stuffed. When it comes to cooking chicken, one rule of thumb is that you should cook it for 15 minutes per pound. However, the timing can vary slightly depending on other factors. In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about how many minutes per pound you should cook different cuts and sizes of chicken using various cooking methods.
Why Cooking Time Per Pound Matters
The weight and thickness are the most important factors that determine chicken cooking times. A larger, thicker cut will require more time to cook through to a safe internal temperature compared to a smaller, thinner piece. Cooking for the recommended time per pound ensures that the chicken reaches the proper temperature to kill any potential bacteria without overcooking the meat and drying it out.
It also prevents undercooking which poses a health risk. So while cooking times can vary slightly based on other factors the minutes per pound guideline provides a reliable starting point to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly cooked.
Estimated Cooking Times Per Pound
Here are some general rules for how long to cook different cuts of chicken using different cooking methods per pound:
- Whole chicken (not stuffed): 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Bone-in chicken pieces: 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Boneless chicken breasts: 8-12 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Boneless chicken thighs: 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Ground chicken: 7-10 minutes per pound at 350°F
For example, a 2 lb whole chicken would take 30-40 minutes to roast in the oven. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts weighing 1 lb would take 8-12 minutes to cook through on the stove or grill.
Always use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F internally before removing it from the heat source. The timing per pound is a guide, but the thermometer reading guarantees doneness.
Factors That Affect Chicken Cooking Times
While the minutes per pound rule provides a good starting point, other factors can slightly alter the total cooking time needed, including:
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Cooking method: Grilling, frying, baking and broiling cook chicken faster than roasting or poaching.
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Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in chicken can take slightly longer than boneless pieces.
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Temperature: Higher oven or grill temps will decrease cook time.
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Size and shape: Uniform sizes and thicknesses will cook most evenly.
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Stuffing: Stuffed chicken can take up to 30 minutes longer than unstuffed.
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Brining: Soaking in a saltwater brine hydrates the meat, which can marginally reduce cooking time.
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Frozen vs thawed: Frozen chicken can take 50% longer to cook through. Always thaw fully before cooking.
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Altitude: At higher altitudes above 3,000 feet, you may need to increase cooking time slightly.
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Doneness: Cook chicken until it registers 165°F internally and the juices run clear.
Cooking Times for Whole Chicken
For roasting or baking a whole unstuffed chicken in the oven, use these time guidelines:
- 2-3 lbs: 45-60 minutes
- 3-4 lbs: 60-75 minutes
- 4-5 lbs: 75-90 minutes
- 5-6 lbs: 90-105 minutes
If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, turn down the oven temperature to 325°F. For a stuffed chicken, add 15 minutes to the cooking time for every pound of chicken. Always check the temperature inside with a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
You can also spatchcock the chicken, which means to remove the backbone and flatten the chicken. This cuts the roasting time almost in half. Spatchcocking allows it to cook more evenly.
Cooking Times for Chicken Parts
For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, figure 8-12 minutes per pound at 350°F on the stove, in the oven or grill.
If you cook chicken thighs and drumsticks in the oven or on the grill at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes per pound with the bone and skin still on.
Cook ground chicken like patties or meatballs 7-10 minutes per pound at 350°F until it registers 165°F internally.
Halve the per-pound cooking times if using a hot grill or broiler around 450-500°F. Always check temperature doneness before serving.
Helpful Tips
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Let roasted chicken rest at least 5 minutes before carving for juicier meat.
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Avoid opening the oven door frequently, which can increase cook times.
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Use a baking sheet or roasting pan with a rack to allow airflow around the chicken for even cooking.
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Brine chicken in a saltwater solution before roasting or grilling for added moisture and flavor.
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Coat chicken with oil or rub with spices/herbs to boost flavor and browning.
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Cut uniform, evenly-sized pieces of chicken when cooking bone-in parts to ensure even doneness.
Key Takeaways
Cooking chicken properly to a safe internal temperature is important for health, while avoiding overcooking keeps the meat tender and juicy. Follow these minutes per pound guidelines for perfectly cooked chicken every time:
- Whole chicken: 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Bone-in pieces: 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Boneless breasts: 8-12 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Boneless thighs: 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°F
- Ground chicken: 7-10 minutes per pound at 350°F
Monitor temperature with a food thermometer for 165°F. Let rest before serving. Adjust cook times as needed based on size, method, bone-in vs boneless and other factors. Mastering the minutes per pound technique helps remove the guesswork for cooking chicken perfectly every time.
Roast Chicken simple enough for a cozy weeknight.
I love how effortless and fool-proof it is to make a beautiful roast chicken at home. All you need to a simple herb butter and some chopped veggies; theres no brining or complicated culinary steps involved. Best of all its a meal your whole family will love! Remember to keep the leftover chicken carcass to make homemade chicken stock for other recipes, like our chicken noodle soup!.
How to Roast a Chicken:
Prep Chicken: If using a frozen chicken, it needs to be completely thaw before using. Remove raw chicken from packaging. Remove the neck and giblets from the cavity (discard them away or use them to make chicken gravy). Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Make herb butter by combining butter, lemon zest, rosemary, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Gently lift the skin near the chicken breasts and smear herb butter under it, on top of the breasts meat. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the outside and spread with more herb butter over the outside. Smear any leftover butter inside the cavity. Cut lemons in half and place inside.
Roast: Add chopped vegetables to the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper on top. Place chicken on top of vegetables and roast chicken uncovered at 450°F for 10-15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F then cook for 20 minutes per pound, or until the chicken is 165°F on a food thermometer. The chicken should be golden brown and the juices should be clear and sizzling. Remove it from the oven, tent with foil to keep warm and rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Carve and Serve: Carve the crispy roast chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables. Use the pan drippings to make chicken gravy. We love to serve roast chicken dinner with my favorite homemade rolls and apple pecan salad.
How long do you roast a chicken per pound?
FAQ
How long do you cook a chicken per pound?
As a general rule, roast a whole chicken at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes per pound, plus another 15 to 20 minutes.
Is it better to roast chicken at 350 or 400?
You can roast chicken at either 350°F or 400°F, but the best temperature depends on what you want to happen. 350°F is better for ensuring even cooking and retaining moisture, especially for larger pieces like whole chickens. Recipes suggest that a lower temperature results in a more tender and juicy chicken.
How long to bake 1 lb of chicken at 350 degrees?
To get the skin crispy, whole chickens are usually cooked at a high temperature, like 425 degrees F, for a short time. The temperature is then lowered to about 350 degrees F. Under these conditions, a whole chicken will take 20 to 25 minutes to cook for every pound that chicken weighs.
How long to cook a 4lb chicken at 350 degrees?
How long do you cook a whole chicken?
When cooking a whole chicken, it is important to follow proper cooking times to ensure that it is cooked thoroughly and reaches a safe temperature. The general rule of thumb is to cook a whole chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C).
How long do you cook chicken thighs at 375?
Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature must hit 165°F (75°C). Chicken breasts need about 30 minutes per pound if you’re baking them at 375°F (190°C). For a single pound, that comes to about 30 to 35 minutes. Check for doneness to avoid serving rubbery chicken. Cook chicken thighs for about 30 to 40 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C).
How long do you cook chicken on a grill?
Grill over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes on each side. Flip only once for those perfect grill marks. Check the temperature for doneness. Try boiling chicken for quick meals. Submerge in cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size. Shred the chicken for salads or tacos.
How long does it take to cook chicken in a crock pot?
Check the temperature for doneness. Try boiling chicken for quick meals. Submerge in cold water, add salt, and bring to a boil. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size. Shred the chicken for salads or tacos. Use the leftover broth for soups. Get creative with slow cooking chicken.
How long do you cook chicken in a slow cooker?
Season and place it in the slow cooker with your favorites. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken with zero effort. Experiment with sautéing for a fast dinner. Heat oil in a skillet, and add chicken pieces. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side over medium heat.