To figure out how long to bake chicken in the oven, enter the chicken’s weight in the calculator and it will automatically give you an estimate cooking time. See the chart below for recommended baking times based on other types of chicken cuts.
What Temperature To Bake Chicken
According to FoodSafety.gov, whole chicken (unstuffed) should be baked at 350° at roughly 30 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°.
After removing it from the oven, cover and let your chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period will actually allow the internal temperature of the chicken to rise to 165°, which is necessary to kill foodborne pathogens. This resting time also allows the juices inside the chicken to redistribute evenly within the meat.
How Long Does It Take To Bake A Whole Chicken
In 2021, the USDA showed that the average weight of a chicken was 6.46 pounds. Light hens average 3.5 pounds and older hens averaged from 6.8 to 7 pounds. This chart provides cooking times in .5 pound increments. Use the calculator to determine exact cooking time for your chicken.
| Weight | Cooking Time at 350 ° | |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 3.5 pounds | 1 hours 45 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 4 pounds | 2 hours |
| Whole Chicken | 4.5 pounds | 2 hours 15 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 5 pounds | 2 hours 30 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 5.5 pounds | 2 hours 45 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 6 pounds | 3 hours |
| Whole Chicken | 6.5 pounds | 3 hours 15 Minutes |
| Whole Chicken | 7 pounds | 3 hours 30 Minutes |
Chicken Baking Chart
This chart gives you an idea of how long to bake different cuts of chicken. If your recipe calls for higher temperature, you would reduce the cooking time accordingly. The internal temperature should be at a minimum of 145 degrees when removed from the oven, and should be rested and at 165 degrees before serving.
| Temperature | Cooking Time | |
|---|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 350 ° | 30 minutes per pound |
| Chicken Breast (boneless) | 350 ° | 20-30 minutes |
| Chicken Breast (bone-in) | 350 ° | 30-40 minutes |
| Chicken Thigh | 350 ° | 45-50 minutes |
| Chicken Drumstick | 350 ° | 35-45 minutes |
| Chicken Wings | 425 ° | 45-55 minutes |
Tips For Baking A Chicken
- To ensure even baking, make sure your chicken is thoroughly defrosted and at room temperature before placing it in the oven.
- Bake in a shallow pan so that the heated air in the oven can circulate evenly around the entire chicken.
- Place foil over the top of the chicken to prevent too much moisture loss and drying.
- Add a cup of water, wine or chicken stock to the bottom of the pan. This liquid will steam upward and help keep your chicken moist.
- Because oven temperatures can vary, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken. It will help you prevent overcooking (or under-cooking) your chicken.
How Many Pounds Of Baked Chicken Will You Need?
If you would like to know how many pounds of chicken you will need for your gathering, check out our Meat Per Person Calculator
