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.
Roasting a juicy, flavorful chicken at home can seem intimidating for many home cooks. However, with some simple tips and tricks, you’ll be making tender, golden roast chickens like a pro in no time! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about roasting chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit per pound, from approximate cooking times to foolproof techniques for maximizing flavor.
Estimating Roast Chicken Cooking Times
The most common roasting temperature for whole chickens is 350°F. At this moderate heat, the chicken cooks slowly and evenly without drying out. So how long does it take per pound? Here are some estimates
- Whole chicken (3-5 lbs): Approximately 20-25 minutes per pound
- Chicken pieces (breasts, thighs): 15-20 minutes per pound
Keep in mind that these are rough guidelines The exact cooking time depends on several factors
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Size of the chicken: A 6 lb bird will take longer than a 3 lb one.
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Shape/thickness: Chickens come in different proportions. It’s possible for a short, fat bird to cook faster than a tall, thin bird of the same weight.
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Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in chicken takes longer since the bones insulate the meat. Boneless cuts cook more quickly.
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Staffing: A stuffed bird requires more time to cook through.
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Oven accuracy: Get an oven thermometer to verify the temperature.
The only way to guarantee done-ness is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat once the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F. If your roast chicken recipe gives a broad time range, use the thermometer to determine where in that range your particular bird finishes.
Seasoning and Prepping for a Juicy Roast
Proper seasoning and prep ensures your chicken stays juicy and absorbs tons of flavor. Try these tips:
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Remove the chicken from its packaging and leave it out in the fridge for 4 to 12 hours to air dry. This helps the skin get ultra crisp.
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Loosen the skin: Slide fingers between skin and meat to create pockets for seasonings.
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Season generously: Under and on the skin. Inside the cavity too.
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Stuff the cavity: Quartered lemons, onions, herbs infuse flavor.
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Brush with butter/oil: Promotes browning and moisture.
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Truss: Tie legs together to hold shape.
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Elevate on a rack: Juices will drip below, preventing sogginess.
Roast Chicken Techniques for Maximum Juiciness
Your cooking technique hugely impacts the end result. Follow these tips for ridiculously juicy, tender meat:
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Preheat properly: Allow oven to fully preheat before adding chicken.
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Start breast down: Protects delicate breast meat from overcooking.
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Turn halfway: Turn chicken breast side up later for even cooking.
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Baste: Brush chicken with pan juices to keep moist.
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Cook to proper temp: Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
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Rest before carving: Allows juices to reabsorb for juicier meat.
How to Get Uber Crispy Roast Chicken Skin
For the perfect crackling skin, try these tricks:
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Remove excess moisture: Dry brining plus patting skin dry helps moisture evaporate.
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Loosen the skin: Allows fat to render from underneath.
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Rub with baking powder: Alkalinity speeds browning through Maillard reaction.
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Start low, finish high: Begin roasting at 325°F then crank to 425°F.
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Watch closely: Higher heat can quickly over-brown.
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Avoid tenting: Foil traps steam which softens skin.
Common Roast Chicken Problems and Solutions
Even when carefully prepared, you may encounter an issue or two. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Undercooked: Double check temp with a meat thermometer. Return to oven if needed.
Overcooked/dry: Brine chicken and stop cooking at 160°F. Tent while resting.
Poorly browned skin: Pat very dry. Loosen skin. Crank up oven temp at end.
Burnt skin/overly dark pan juices: Use lower temp next time. Add water to pan.
Uneven cooking: Allow oven to fully preheat. Rotate chicken halfway through.
Rub slips off: Press seasoning firmly into skin or secure with a little oil.
The Takeaway on Roast Chicken Cooking Time
At 350°F, you can expect a 3-5 lb chicken to take about 60-90 minutes to roast completely and safely. However, the precise timing will vary based on the particular bird and oven. Rely on a meat thermometer for guaranteed doneness. Along with proper seasoning, prep, and technique, your roast chickens will turn out perfectly juicy and delicious every time. Give it a try this weekend!
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. Loosen the skin around the chicken breasts and spread herb butter under it and on top of the 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.
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. The best part is that the whole family will love it! Don’t throw away the chicken carcass—use it to make chicken stock for other recipes, like our chicken noodle soup!
How long to roast a whole chicken at 350 ?
FAQ
What is the time chart for roasting chicken per pound?
How Long to Roast a ChickenWeight (in lbs. )Regular MethodHigh Heat Method3. 5 to 41 hour 35 minutes1 hour 20 minutes4 to 4. 51 hour 45 minutes1 hour 30 minutes4. 5 to 51 hour 55 minutes1 hour 40 minutes5 to 5. 52 hours 5 minutes1 hour 50 minutes.
How long does it take at 350 to cook a whole chicken?
At 350 degrees you should count on 20-25 minutes per pound for a 3 to 8 pound chicken. As with all meats, check the temperature 15-20 minutes before the time it should be done. You never know how accurate your oven is, and you don’t want to overcook and dry out the chicken. Oct 1, 2021.
Is it better to bake a whole chicken covered or uncovered?
Crispy texture. Uncovered baking allows the chicken to develop a crispy exterior. Without a cover, the heat can directly reach the surface of the chicken, resulting in a desirable golden-brown color and crispy texture.
How long do you need to cook chicken on 350?
Bake a 4-ounce chicken breast at 350°F (177°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).