For a large gathering on Thanksgiving or on any other occasion, starting to make a roasted chicken makes a lot more sense. Cooking a whole bird is a different thing rather than cooking its parts such as chicken breast, chicken legs, chicken thighs, etc. If you are looking for a juicy and tender chicken, cooking a chicken with classic touch can make your day or night.
The recipes for cooking a whole chicken are almost the same. What is not the same as the cooking time and temperature at which you are going to cook your whole chicken. That’s why it becomes essential to know the exact temperature and cooking time so that you won’t ruin your whole recipe. Here, we are going to explain how long to bake/roast a whole chicken in the oven? Keep reading this article till the end.
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How Long to Bake/Roast a Whole Chicken?
You can cook a whole chicken in the oven using the baking or roasting method. The only difference between these two methods is the cooking temperature. In baking, you can’t use high temperatures. The temperature shouldn’t exceed 375°F. On the other hand, roasting means you’re cooking at a temperature of 400°F or more for a browned and flavorful texture outside.
Generally, we cook a whole chicken at 425°F. preheat the oven to the same temperature you want to cook your chicken. Rinse the chicken inside and outside and pat the outside dry. Sprinkle some salt and pepper inside the chicken. Stuff the chicken cavity with thyme, lemon, and garlic. Brush the outside of the chicken with butter and sprinkle some salt and pepper. Tie the legs of the chicken together with kitchen string and tuck the wings under the body of the chicken.
Place onions, carrots, and fennel in a roasting pan toss with salt and pepper along with 20 sprigs of thyme and olive oil. Spread around on the roasting pan and place the chicken on top. Now, roast the chicken for about 1- 1.5 hours or until juices run clear when you cut between leg and thigh. When it’s done remove the chicken and vegetables to a platter and cover with an aluminum foil for about 20 mins.
How Long to Bake/Roast a Whole Chicken at 350?
If you are baking/roasting a whole chicken at 350°F, you have to preheat the oven first. Rinse the chicken well and pat dry with a paper towel. Mix together your favorite seasoning and herbs in a small bowl and rub over the top skin of the chicken. Stuff the cavity with thyme, lemon, and garlic. Now, brush the outer side of the chicken with butter. Tie the legs of the chicken together and tuck the wings under the chicken body.
Now, place the chicken on a baking tray lined with aluminum foil and bake for about 45 mins. When it’s done increase the temperature to 450°F and cook for additional 15 mins. Check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer which should register 165°F. When it’s done baking remove it from the tray and let it rest for about 10 mins.
How Long to Bake/Roast a Whole Chicken at 375?
If you are baking/roasting a whole chicken at 375°F, you have to preheat the oven first at the same temperature. It will take about 1 to 1¼ hours to bake/roast 2½ to 3lb of the whole chicken. When you bake/roast 3½ to 4lb of the whole chicken, it takes about 1¼ to 1½ hours of cooking time. If you have a large gathering and want to bake/roast a large whole chicken of 4½ to 5lb, the roasting/baking will increase to 1¾ to 2 hours. Make sure to check the doneness using a meat thermometer which should read 165°F-175°F.
How Long to Bake/Roast a Whole Chicken at 400?
If you are baking/roasting a whole chicken at 400°F, you have to preheat the oven first at the same temperature. It will take about 1 hour to bake/roast a whole chicken completely. Must check doneness knowing through the internal temperature of the chicken using an instant meat thermometer which should read 165°F-175°F. When it’s done, let it rest for about 10 mins. before carving.
Tips to Bake/Roast a Perfect Whole Chicken Every Time:
- Don’t be stingy using seasoning. Season all over the surface of the chicken even on the inside.
- When roasting/baking a chicken in the oven, add oil and butter to keep it moist always. This also helps to give a golden brown color and maintain the moisture inside the chicken so that meat stays tender and juicy.
FAQ:
Should I Cover Chicken with Foil when Roasting it?
No, you shouldn’t cover chicken with foil because you want the roasted golden brown color at the top. If you cover it with foil, the chicken will release juice and keep it moist which resist making it brown.
How to Reheat Roasted Chicken?
If you want to reheat roasted chicken in the oven, you have to preheat it first at 350°F. Place the chicken in the oven-safe baking dish and 1 cup chicken broth or water. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 mins. When it’s done remove the foil and continue baking for about 5 mins. to crisp.
On the other hand, if you want to reheat roasted chicken in the air fryer, you have to preheat it first at 350°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for about 4-5 mins or until heated through.
