Cooking a whole chicken in the oven is a simple and delicious way to feed a crowd or prepare meals for the week. Baking a chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a reliable and versatile temperature that can result in a flavorful and juicy finished product. However, it’s important to know how long to bake the chicken to ensure that it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
In this article, we’ll provide guidelines for how long to bake a whole chicken in the oven at 350 degrees, as well as tips for keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
More Cooking Time Information:
- How Long To Bake Chicken Wings In The Oven
- How Long To Bake Chicken Per Pound
- How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs In The Oven
Why 350°F Is a Good Temperature For Baking Whole Chicken
There are a few reasons why 350 degrees Fahrenheit is a good temperature for baking a whole chicken:
- It’s a moderate temperature: 350 degrees is not too hot or too cold, which helps to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t burn or dry out.
- It allows for crispy skin: Baking the chicken at 350 degrees allows the skin to become crispy and golden brown, which can add flavor and texture to the finished dish.
- It’s a safe temperature: 350 degrees is high enough to kill any harmful bacteria that may be present on the chicken, ensuring that it is safe to eat.
- It’s a versatile temperature: 350 degrees is a good temperature for baking a variety of dishes, including chicken, which makes it a convenient and reliable choice for many recipes.
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken In The Oven At 350 °F
The general rule of thumb for baking a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is to plan for about 20 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken.
For example, a 3-pound chicken would take about 60 minutes to bake at 350 degrees.
You can take look at this article if you wan to learn how long to bake whole chicken in the oven at 375°F: How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken In The Oven At 375
The cooking time for a whole chicken in a convection oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit may be shorter than in a regular (conventional) oven. As a general guideline, a 4-pound whole chicken will take about 45-50 minutes to cook in a convection oven at 350 degrees. A larger chicken, such as a 6-pounder, may take up to 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook.
How Long To Bake A Whole Stuffed Chicken At 350°F
The cooking time for a whole stuffed chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit will depend on the size of the chicken and the type of stuff used. As a general rule, plan for about 20-30 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken.
For example, a 4-pound stuffed chicken might take about 80-120 minutes to bake at 350 degrees.
Cut-up chicken pieces will cook faster than whole chicken because they have a smaller surface area and are more exposed to the heat of the oven.
As a general rule, plan for about 20-30 minutes of cooking time per pound of chicken. For example, a 4-pound cut-up chicken might take about 80-120 minutes to bake at 350 degrees.
How Long To Bake A Whole Frozen Chicken At 350°F
To bake a whole frozen chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, plan for about 50% longer cooking time than a thawed chicken.
How To Thaw Whole Frozen Chicken
If you want to thaw your frozen chicken before baking, There are the best ways :
- In the refrigerator: This is the safest and most recommended method for thawing a whole frozen chicken. To thaw a chicken in the refrigerator, simply place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, depending on the size of the chicken. A 4-pound chicken will take about 1-2 days to thaw in the refrigerator.
- In cold water: To thaw a chicken in cold water, place the frozen chicken in a leak-proof bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold. A 4-pound chicken will take about 2-3 hours to thaw using this method.
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350°F Per Pound
Here is a table showing how long to bake a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit based on the weight of the chicken:
| Chicken Weight (lbs) | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 40 |
| 3 | 60 |
| 4 | 80 |
| 5 | 100 |
| 6 | 120 |
| 7 | 140 |
| 8 | 160 |
| 9 | 180 |
| 10 | 200 |
Should I Cover Whole Chicken With Foil When Baking?
When baking a whole chicken, you may want to cover it with foil to prevent the skin from getting too brown or burnt. However, covering the chicken with foil may also prevent the skin from becoming crispy and golden brown.
How Do You Keep Chicken Moist In The Oven?
There are several ways to help keep chicken moist in the oven:
- Baste the chicken with pan juices or a marinade: Basting the chicken with the juices that collect in the pan or with a marinade can help to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Cover the chicken with foil: Tenting the chicken with foil can help to trap moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out. Just be sure to remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking to allow the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
- Cook the chicken at a lower temperature: Cooking the chicken at a lower temperature for a longer period of time can help to ensure that it stays moist and juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer: Using a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked but not overcooked can help to prevent it from drying out.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, which can result in a moister and more flavorful chicken.
How To Know When The chicken Is Done Baking
Here are some ways to know when a chicken is done baking:
How Do I Store Leftover Baked Chicken?
To store leftover baked chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before dividing it into smaller portions (if desired) and placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat the chicken for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In the microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat the chicken in 30-second increments, stirring or flipping the chicken in between, until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- On the stove: Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and heat it until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping it occasionally to ensure even heating.
Here is a simple recipe To Understand How To bake Whole Chicken in the Oven AT 350°F:
