Are you not sure how long to roast a whole chicken at 350? Whether youre a professional chef, home cook, or new to the kitchen entirely, roasting a flavorful and tender whole chicken can be overwhelming.
While there are many tips out there for how best to achieve perfection in your roast bird dish, one of the most important things is knowing exactly how long to cook it at the desired temperature. Keep reading below as we discuss the importance of proper cooking times when roasting and offer simple instructions on how long to roast a whole chicken at 350°F!
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Factors That Affect How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
- Size Of The Chicken Influence How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
The number one rule you should know when roasting a chicken: 1 pound equals 20 minutes. That being said, the size of your chicken will affect how long it needs to roast. A simple way to determine how much time you need is to calculate how many pounds your bird weighs; then multiply that number by 20 minutes. For example, if your chicken weighs 3 pounds, it will take approximately an hour to cook!
- Temperature Accuracy Of The Oven
Another factor to consider when roasting chicken is how hot your oven is. To ensure your meat gets cooked all the way through, you want to make sure that your oven is preheated to 350°F and stays at that temperature throughout cooking. If your oven fluctuates in heat or isnt quite up to par with accuracy, then it could take longer for the chicken to cook.
- Thickness Of The Chicken Affect How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
The final factor to consider when roasting chicken is how thick the bird is. The thicker the bird, the more time it will take to cook. If you find that your chicken isnt done after an hour of being in the oven, then you may need to give it a few extra minutes!
Factors That Affect How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
- The Age And Freshness Of The Chicken
The age and freshness of the chicken can also affect how long to roast a whole chicken at 350. A fresher, younger chicken will take less time to cook than an older bird. If youre ever unsure how long your chicken needs, err on the side of caution and check its internal temperature with a meat thermometer; if its reached 165°F, its done!
- Fresh Or Frozen Chicken Affects How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
If youre roasting a frozen chicken, it will take approximately 50 percent longer than a fresh bird. Make sure the chicken is thawed fully before cook time to ensure that your oven temperature is accurate and so that it cooks evenly.
How Long to Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
So the biggest question is how long to roast a whole chicken at 350? The general rule of thumb is to roast a whole chicken at 350°F for 20 minutes per pound, plus an extra 15 minutes in the end. For example:
- 3-pound = approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
- 4-pound = approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes
- 5-pound = approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes
- 6-pound = approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes
It is important to note that cook times may vary slightly depending on the specific factors mentioned above, so its always best to check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer once you think your chicken is done cooking. The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165-175°F before it is served.
However, baking with different methods might produce different results, so you might want to learn how long to roast a whole chicken at 350 with some methods listed below.
#1 Covered with foil
If youre baking your chicken covered with foil this will affect how long to roast a whole chicken at 350, the bake time will be longer - approximately 30 minutes per pound. So for example, if you have a 3-pound chicken, it would take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes of cooking time.
#2 Uncovered
If youre baking your chicken uncovered, the bake time will be approximately 20 minutes per pound. So for example, if you have a 3-pound chicken, it would take approximately 1 hour of cooking time.
#3 Cooking chicken in a skillet
Cooking your chicken in a skillet will also influence how long to roast a whole chicken at 350, the cooking time will be shorter - approximately 15 minutes per pound. So for example, if you have a 3-pound chicken, it would take approximately 45 minutes of cooking time.
How Long to Roast A Whole Chicken At 350?
#4 Chicken with stuffing
If youre roasting your chicken with stuffing, the cooking time will be longer - approximately 25 minutes per pound. So for example, if you have a 3-pound chicken, it would take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of cooking time.
We have answered the most important question of how long to roast a whole chicken at 350 for you, lets read more to learn how to make the perfect roast chicken!
Tips For Roasting A Moist And Flavorful Chicken
- Consider The Size And Thickness Of The Chicken: Besides knowing how long to roast a whole chicken at 350, it is important to consider the size and thickness of the chicken. A larger chicken with thick legs and breasts will take longer than a smaller one; you may need to increase your cooking time accordingly.
- Use High-Quality Fat Or Oil For Roasting: For best results, use high-quality fat or oil for roasting. Olive oil is always a great option and will help keep the chicken nice and moist during cooking.
- Baste The Chicken Frequently: Basting the chicken frequently throughout its cooking time can help ensure that it stays juicy and flavorful.
- Tent The Chicken With Foil: Tenting the chicken with a piece of foil after it has cooked can help retain its moisture. Simply place the foil over the top of the chicken, but not touching it, and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Dont Overcook The Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken as it can become dry and tough. Keep an eye on the internal temperature with a thermometer and remove it from the oven as soon as it has reached its desired temperature.
- Allowing The Chicken To Rest: Once the chicken has reached its desired temperature, it is important to allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This will help ensure that the juices are evenly distributed throughout the chicken and make it easier to carve once youre ready to serve.
Checking The Chicken For Doneness
- Internal Temperature Of The Chicken: The best way to check for doneness is with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding any bones, and make sure that its reached 165°F before removing it from the oven.
- Tenderness Of The Meat: If you dont have an instant-read thermometer, check the meat itself for tenderness. It should be easy to pull away from the bone with a fork or knife and have a moist and juicy texture when you bite into it. If its still tough or dry, it may need more time in the oven.
- Juiciness Of The Meat: The chicken should be lightly browned and the juices should run clear when pierced with a knife. If there is still some pinkness or if the juices are cloudy, it needs to cook longer.
Checking The Chicken For Doneness
Following these tips and knowing how long to roast a whole chicken at 350 will ensure that your roast chicken turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time!
What To Serve With Roasted Whole Chicken
After knowing how long to roast a whole chicken at 350, you might be wondering how to serve it. Here are some of our favorite sides that pair perfectly with a delicious roasted chicken:
- Gravy Or Sauces
- Roasted Vegetables
- Salad
- Rice Or Pasta
- Bread
FAQs For How Long To Roast A Whole Chicken At 350
Is it better to roast chicken at 350 F or 400 F?
The outcome of your roast chicken is totally dependent on what you are hoping to achieve. If youre after fall-apart tender meat with soft skin, set your oven temperature between 300 and 350 degrees; if more firmness and a crispy exterior are desired, opt for an oven heat of 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why does my chicken dry and chewy?
Going too far with your cooking can render chicken appetizingly tough. If you leave it in the pan, oven, or grill for a slightly extended amount of time, all moisture evaporates quickly and leaves you with an overcooked rubbery chicken. This occurs due to protein fibers becoming elastic without any water present.
What can I do to make chicken absorb more flavor?
Remember, its best to marinate your chicken breast overnight to give the flavors time to infuse. A faster way to add flavor is to simply brine your chicken breast in salty water prior to cooking. This will help tenderize the meat and add some extra flavors.
Conclusion
When it comes to how long to roast a whole chicken at 350, the general rule is about 20 minutes per pound. However, you should use a meat thermometer to verify that the temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the chicken before serving. Additionally, remember to rest and carve your chicken as directed for optimal juiciness and flavor. Serve your roast chicken with a variety of sides such as gravy, roasted vegetables, salad, rice or pasta, and bread for a delicious meal.
You can now enjoy a perfectly cooked whole-roasted chicken any night of the week! We hope the tips from The Blue Stove will ensure that you end up with a perfect roasted chicken every time!
