How Long To Bake Chicken Per Pound

What Is The Best Temperature To Bake Chicken

The best temperature to bake chicken will depend on the type of chicken you are cooking and your desired level of doneness. As a general rule, a temperature of 350°F (175°C) is a good starting point for most types of chicken.

If you prefer your chicken to be more well-done, you can increase the baking temperature to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F (200°C). This will result in a shorter cooking time, but it is important to keep an eye on the chicken and use a meat thermometer to ensure that it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What Is The Difference Between These Temperatures: 350, 375, 400, and 450°F

• 350°F (175°C): is a good starting point for most types of chicken. This temperature will allow the chicken to cook through and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) while also allowing the skin to become crispy and golden brown.
• 375°F (190°C): is also a good temperature for baking chicken, especially for lean cuts such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This temperature will allow the chicken to cook more quickly, but be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
• 400°F (200°C): is a good temperature for baking chicken that you want to cook more quickly and have a crispier skin. This temperature may be too high for some types of chicken, however, as it can cause the chicken to dry out.
• 450°F (230°C): is a high temperature that can be used to bake chicken that you want to cook very quickly. This temperature may be too high for some types of chicken, however, and can cause the chicken to dry out.

What Is the Difference Between Roasting and Baking?

1. Roasting 

Roasting typically refers to cooking a whole chicken or large cuts of chicken using dry heat. The chicken is placed in a roasting pan, uncovered, and cooked until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Roasting is often used for chicken that is tender and has a good amount of fat, as the fat helps to keep the chicken moist during cooking.

2. Baking

Baking, on the other hand, refers to cooking chicken using dry heat in an oven. Baking can be used to cook smaller cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. The chicken is typically placed in a baking dish or on a baking sheet and cooked until it is done. Baking can be used to cook both tender and tougher cuts of chicken, but the cooking time may vary depending on the type and size of the chicken.

The Rule for Calculating Baking Time for Chicken

Here is the general rule for calculating the cooking time for chicken at different temperatures:

1. For boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

• 350°F (175°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 12
• 375°F (190°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 10
• 400°F (200°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 8
• 450°F (230°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 6

2. For bone-in chicken breasts:

• 350°F (175°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 20
• 375°F (190°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 15
• 400°F (200°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 12
• 450°F (230°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 10

3. For whole chickens:

• 350°F (175°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 20
• 375°F (190°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 15
• 400°F (200°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 12
• 450°F (230°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 10

4. For the stuffed chicken:

• 350°F (175°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 25
• 375°F (190°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 20
• 400°F (200°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 15
• 450°F (230°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 12

5. For the frozen chicken:

• 350°F (175°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 30
• 375°F (190°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 25
• 400°F (200°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 20
• 450°F (230°C): Cooking time (in minutes) = weight (in pounds) x 15

How Long To Bake Chicken Per Pound  

Since this is an approximated time period based on the preceding rule, let’s take an example of 1 pound for each type of chicken:

1. For 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts:

• 350°F (175°C): 10-15 minutes
• 375°F (190°C): 8-12 minutes
• 400°F (200°C): 6-10 minutes
• 450°F (230°C): 5-8 minutes

2. For 1 pound of bone-in chicken breasts:

• 350°F (175°C): 15-25 minutes
• 375°F (190°C): 12-20 minutes
• 400°F (200°C): 10-15 minutes
• 450°F (230°C): 8-12 minutes

3. For 1 pound of whole chicken:

• 350°F (175°C): 15-25 minutes
• 375°F (190°C): 12-20 minutes
• 400°F (200°C): 10-15 minutes
• 450°F (230°C): 8-12 minutes

4. For 1 pound of stuffed chicken:

• 350°F (175°C): 20-30 minutes
• 375°F (190°C): 15-25 minutes
• 400°F (200°C): 12-20 minutes
• 450°F (230°C): 10-15 minutes

5. For 1 pound of frozen chicken:

• 350°F (175°C): 25-35 minutes
• 375°F (190°C): 20-30 minutes
• 400°F (200°C): 15-25 minutes
• 450°F (230°C): 12-20 minutes

How To Know When Chicken Is Done Baking

1. Using A Meat Thermometer:

The most accurate way to determine if the chicken is done baking is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken without touching the bone. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F (74°C) for the chicken to be considered fully cooked and safe to eat.

2. Visual Check:

• The chicken should be golden brown and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.
• The flesh should be firm and not feel soft or spongy.
• The legs and wings should move easily in their joints.

3. Without A Thermometer: 

• Tap test: Gently tap the chicken with a fork or your finger. If it feels firm and the juices run clear, it is likely done.
• Cut test: Make a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken with a sharp knife. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, the chicken is done.

Should I Cover the Chicken with Foil While Baking?

It is generally not recommended to cover chicken while baking in the oven, as it can lead to steaming rather than roasting and can cause the chicken to become soggy. Instead, it is best to roast the chicken uncovered so that the skin becomes crispy. If the chicken is exposed to too much heat, you can cover it loosely with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Can I Cook Different Types Of Chicken Together In The Same Oven?

It is generally not recommended to cook different types of chicken together in the same pan or oven, as they may have different cooking times and temperature requirements. For example, boneless, skinless chicken breasts may cook more quickly than bone-in chicken thighs. It is best to cook each type of chicken separately to ensure that it is cooked to the desired level of doneness.

How To Thaw Frozen Chicken Before Baking

• Refrigerator thawing: This is the safest and most recommended method for thawing frozen chicken. To thaw chicken in the refrigerator, simply place the frozen chicken in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly over the course of a day or two, depending on the size of the chicken.
• Cold water thawing: To thaw chicken using cold water, place the frozen chicken in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold tap water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold. This method should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size of the chicken.
• Microwave thawing: To thaw chicken in the microwave, place the frozen chicken in a microwave-safe dish and defrost it on the “defrost” setting according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This method is generally not recommended, as it can result in uneven thawing and may also start to cook the chicken.

You May Learn More About Baking Time:

• How Long To Bake Pork Chops In The Oven
• How Long To Bake Chicken Thighs In The Oven 
• How Long To Cook Chicken Kabobs In Air Fryer

Here is a simple recipe for baking a whole chicken(5 pounds)