Make my family’s favorite roasted chicken recipe, and you will be rewarded with incredibly juicy, tender chicken with gorgeous golden brown skin. I love this whole roast chicken so much and can’t wait for you to try it!.
My mom taught me how to roast chicken, and she made this roasted chicken recipe almost every week when I was a kid. Our method for roasting a whole chicken guarantees tender and juicy chicken, and I really can’t get enough of the glistening, golden-brown skin!.
My family loves serving this chicken with mashed potatoes, homemade gravy, and roasted carrots, but I’ve shared more suggestions below, including my favorite chicken salad, which is perfect for using up any leftovers!.
A classic way to cook a chicken that makes the skin crispy, the meat tender, and the flavor amazing is to roast the whole chicken. But to get the best results, you need to carefully follow the roasting times that are based on how much chicken you have. To make a perfect baked chicken, you need to know how long to roast each pound of meat.
In this article, we’ll provide a complete guide on how long to roast a chicken per pound You’ll learn foolproof techniques to achieve a golden brown masterpiece every time Let’s explore the secrets behind flawlessly roasted chicken.
Why Roasting Time Per Pound Matters
Roasting time directly correlates to chicken weight because it takes longer for heat to fully penetrate a larger bird, A small 3 pound chicken roasts faster than a 6 pound one Determining the exact roasting time per pound helps the chicken cook through without drying out,
If roasted too long, chicken dries out from overcooking. Not long enough risks unsafe bacteria inside. Using a precise time per pound results in a chicken that’s completely cooked, juicy, and delicious.
Key Factors that Impact Roasting Time
Several factors affect total roasting time beyond just the chicken’s weight:
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Temperature in the oven: 425°F is a higher temperature that cooks chicken faster than 375°F, but it may dry out.
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Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in chickens take longer than boneless breasts or thighs.
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Stuffing: Adding stuffing increases roasting time.
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Frozen vs thawed: Frozen chickens require more time to cook through. Always thaw completely first.
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Brining: Chicken soaked in a saltwater brine cooks faster than plain chicken.
Consider all these elements when determining roasting time per pound. While weight sets the baseline, adjustments may be needed.
Recommended Roasting Time Per Pound
As a general guideline, whole chickens should roast for 15-20 minutes per pound at 375°F. Here are specific recommendations:
- 3-4 pound chicken: Roast at 375°F for 45-60 minutes total
- 4-5 pound chicken: Roast at 375°F for 60-75 minutes total
- 5-6 pound chicken: Roast at 375°F for 75-90 minutes total
At a higher 425°F oven temperature, reduce roasting time to 12-15 minutes per pound. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step-by-Step Roasting Method
Follow these simple steps for flawlessly roasted chicken every time:
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Prep the chicken: Remove giblets, rinse, and pat dry. Truss legs and tuck wings. Coat with oil or butter. Season generously inside and out.
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Preheat oven to desired temperature, like 375°F. Use a meat thermometer.
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Figure out how long to roast based on the weight, and add 15 to 20 minutes for every pound. It takes about 75 to 100 minutes to roast a 5-pound chicken at 375°F.
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Roast on a rack in a roasting pan until browned, basting with pan juices halfway through.
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Check temperature in thickest part of thigh before estimated finish time. It should reach 165°F.
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Let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juicy meat.
How to Tell If Chicken Is Under or Overcooked
It’s important to closely monitor doneness to avoid under or overcooking. Here’s what to look for:
- Undercooked: Pink meat, bloody juices, temperature under 165°F
- Overcooked: Very brown skin, dry meat, temperature over 175°F
Use your roasting time chart as a guide, but always rely on a thermometer for accuracy. This prevents both unsafe and dried out chicken.
Tips for the Juiciest Roasted Chicken
Beyond proper roasting time, there are other tricks to ensure your roasted chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful:
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Brine the chicken in saltwater for 4-6 hours before cooking. This infuses moisture deep into the meat.
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Baste frequently with pan juices to prevent drying. Avoid opening the oven door too often.
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Rest at least 10 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
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Carve properly by cutting between joints. Don’t slice through bone.
Common Roasting Mistakes
It’s easy to go wrong roasting a whole chicken. Watch out for these common pitfalls:
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Not using a meat thermometer to confirm doneness
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Overcrowding the roasting pan which steams the chicken
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Cutting into chicken too soon without resting
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Basting with oils instead of natural juices
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Roasting at too high of heat which dries out the meat
Adjusting Roasting Time for Other Cuts
While whole birds require the longest roasting time, you can also roast chicken pieces using an adjusted time per pound:
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Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks: Roast at 375°F for 8-12 minutes per pound
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Boneless chicken breasts: Roast at 375°F for 6-8 minutes per pound
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Cornish game hens: Roast at 375°F for 25-30 minutes per pound
Always weigh your cut of chicken for the most accurate roasting time. Check temperature frequently to avoid overcooking.
Make It a Meal with Perfectly Roasted Sides
A beautiful roasted chicken deserves equally delicious side dishes. Try these flavorful roasted veggies:
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Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
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Brussel sprouts with balsamic glaze
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Rosemary carrots and parsnips
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Garlic cauliflower or broccoli
Pair your perfectly roasted chicken with a fresh salad, bread, and a nice glass of wine for an easy, complete meal.
Takeaways for Juicy, Tender Roasted Chicken
Determining the right roasting time per pound is essential for chicken that’s cooked through without drying out. Follow our guidelines for flawless results:
- Allow 15-20 minutes per pound at 375°F
- Use a meat thermometer to check 165°F
- Baste with juices and rest before serving
With the proper technique, your roasted chicken will turn out incredibly moist and full of flavor. Just be sure to follow roasting times carefully based on the chicken’s weight. Happy roasting!
Here is an overview of the entity frequencies in the given content:
Chicken: 36
Temperature: 6
Weight: 5
Roasting: 34
Time: 24
Pound: 21
Meat: 5
Oven: 7
Roast: 29
How to Roast Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken is easy. You can use any oven-safe pan for this roast chicken recipe. A roasting pan (with or without a rack), a large cast iron pan, or even a rimmed baking sheet will work. I used a large baking dish for the pictures.
To roast chicken, pat it dry all over and generously season it with salt and pepper. Sprinkle salt inside the cavity and all over the skin. I don’t use butter or oil for this recipe. I roast my chicken dry and spoon some of the fat that renders over the chicken throughout the cooking process.
If you’re using them, stuff a few aromatics into the chicken cavity. I love lemon, garlic, and herbs. As the chicken roasts, the aromatics steam inside, helping to keep the meat juicy and flavoring it. I also use a little butcher’s twine to tie the legs together (not required, but makes things a bit more tidy).
Place the chicken, breast-side facing up, on a bed of sliced onions. Pour a little water into the pan, and then roast.
The best temperature for roasting chicken depends on what you are looking for. Higher oven temperatures help with more crispy, golden-brown skin, while lower oven temperatures result in softer, fall-off-the-bone meat. We roasted the chicken in our photos in a baking dish at 425°F and love the golden brown skin.
- It’s best to roast a whole chicken at 325°F (162°C) for 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on how much it weighs. The meat and skin should be soft and fall off the bone.
- It takes 45 minutes to 1 hour and a half hours to roast a whole chicken at 425°F (218°C). This will give it firm, juicy meat and crisp, golden-brown skin.
How long do you roast a chicken per pound?
FAQ
How long does a roast chicken take to cook?
The important thing to note when cooking a large piece of meat is that the internal temperature is more important than what the recipe has down for cook time. A roast chicken will require about 20-25 minutes per pound at 425 degrees F.
How long does it take to cook a chicken at 425?
A roast chicken will require about 20-25 minutes per pound at 425 degrees F. A lot of people roast chickens at lower temperatures, but I’ve found that 425 degrees (not on convection) makes the best crispy and juicy chicken. Should I rinse my chicken? I am firmly in the No Rinse camp, and for good reason.
How to cook roast chicken?
Roast chicken can be juicy and tasty with the right techniques. You don’t need fancy skills to achieve it. Here are some methods to consider: Spatchcocking. Spatchcocking means removing the backbone. It helps the chicken cook faster and more evenly. You get crispy skin and tender meat. Brining. Brining adds flavor and moisture.
How long do you cook chicken breast in the oven?
Cooking times depend on weight. Here’s a quick guide: Use a preheated oven set at 350°F. This temp works wonders for roasting. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Give it some room; this can help it cook evenly. Feel free to baste your chicken every 30 minutes.
What temperature should a roast chicken be cooked at?
Remember, the chicken keeps cooking even after it’s out of the oven. Have your meat thermometer ready. When you pull it out, it might reach 170°F or 175°F. With these tips, you’re set for the perfect roast chicken every time.
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 does a 5lb chicken take to cook at 350 degrees?
Baking a whole chicken is like roasting a turkey. 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.
What is the correct temperature for roast chicken?
Roast until breast registers 150°F (65°C) in the center of its thickest part and thighs register 165°F (75°C) near (but not touching) the bone, about 40 minutes. Remove from oven and transfer chicken to a carving board. Let rest 10 to 20 minutes, then carve and serve.