Do you ever wonder how long to bake a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit? The answer may surprise you! In this blog post, I will explore the science of baking a whole chicken and provide some guidelines for cooking times. I’ll also share some of our favorite recipes for baked chicken. So, whether you are looking for an easy weeknight dinner idea or want to try something new, read on for tips on how to bake a whole chicken.
What Is Baking A Whole Chicken?
A whole chicken can be baked by simply baking the entire bird in the oven. This style of cooking is practical because it may be completed in a single pan with the little post-cooking cleanup. Because there is no additional fat from frying, baked chicken is also generally healthful. You can also be confident that it will be properly done and juicy because you are cooking the entire chicken.
Benefits Of Baking A Whole Chicken At 350
Baking a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit has a variety of advantages, including:
- Convenience: Cooking a whole chicken in the oven may be done all at once and doesn’t require regular supervision or rotating. This makes multitasking while your chicken bakes easy. Another extremely easy and uncomplicated method for cooking a chicken is baking.
- Affordability: This cooking technique is particularly cost-effective because it only utilizes one skillet and doesn’t call for any extra ingredients or seasonings. Additionally, you’ll receive more food for your budget because you may use the leftovers for numerous meals.
- Healthful: Since there is no additional fat added during baking, it is a healthy cooking technique. This makes it a fantastic choice for folks who are keeping an eye on their triglyceride or cholesterol levels.
- Flavorful: Since the entire bird is cooked at once, all of the liquids and flavors remain inside, making for an extremely flavorful and juicy end product.
Therefore, consider baking chicken in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit if you’re seeking for a quick and simple approach to make chicken at home. How much flavor and juiciness you can produce with this one cooking technique will astound you!
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350?
Tragically, the answer is that it depends on a lot of variables, including the oven and the size and breed of the bird. A whole chicken should generally be cooked for 20 minutes per pound at 350 degrees. To make sure the chicken is cooked through, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer. Before it is safe to eat, the chicken must achieve a temperature of 165 degrees.
- 3lb chicken at 350 degrees: cook for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- 4lb chicken at 350 degrees: cook for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- 5lb chicken at 350 degrees: cook for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- 6lb chicken at 350 degrees: cook for approximately 2 hours.
- …25lb chicken at 350 degrees: cook for approximately 6 hours and 45 minutes.
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350 In Air Fryer?
In an air fryer that has been preheated to 350 degrees, it should take 65 to 75 minutes to roast your whole chicken. After the initial 55–65 minutes of baking, turn the chicken over and bake it for an additional 10–20 minutes.
The cooking time for a whole chicken baked from frozen in an air fryer preheated to 350 degrees should be between 1 hour 35 and 1 hour 40 minutes.
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 400 In Air Fryer?
An entire chicken should bake for 55 to 65 minutes in an air fryer that has been preheated to 400 degrees. The chicken should be baked for an additional 10 to 20 minutes after being cooked for 45 to 55 minutes.
A whole chicken that is frozen needs to be cooked for 80–85 minutes in an air fryer that has been preheated to 400 degrees.
Do You Wash Chicken Before Cooking?
It is not recommended to wash chicken before cooking as washing it can spread bacteria around your kitchen. The best way to make sure the chicken you are eating is safe and healthy is to cook it thoroughly, which will kill any potential bacteria or viruses. Additionally, you should avoid cross-contamination by using a separate cutting board and utensils for handling raw chicken.
How To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350?
To bake a whole chicken at 350 degrees, you must cook it for roughly 18 to 20 minutes per pound. Therefore, a 3-pound chicken will require roughly an hour and a half to cook. A 4-pound chicken will require around 2 hours to cook.
To ensure that the chicken is fully cooked, be careful to check its internal temperature. At least 165 degrees should be reached inside. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Avoid touching the bone when you insert the meat thermometer into the thickest portion of the bird. At least 165 degrees should be reached inside.
How To Bake Whole Chicken At 350 In The Microwave?
Cooking a whole chicken in the microwave is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking and potential food poisoning. Instead, it is best to bake or roast the chicken in an oven preheated to 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes per pound. To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. At least 165 degrees should be reached inside the chicken before it is safe to eat.
How To Bake Whole Chicken At 350 In Air Fryer?
Consider utilizing an air fryer if you’re searching for a quick and simple method to cook your whole chicken. Just make sure to confirm that it is fully cooked before serving by using a meat thermometer.
Here is a simple and straightforward recipe for full air-fried chicken:
- 1 (4-pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step guide:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Rub the entire chicken down with olive oil or butter, then season as desired with salt and pepper. Place it on the prepared pan in the air fryer.
- Cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then lower the temperature to 350 degrees. Continue cooking until an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is reached (this will take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving and enjoy!
How To Bake Whole Chicken At 350 In The Oven?
The skin of the chicken can be rubbed with a little butter or olive oil before cooking if you want it to have a crispy exterior. For added flavor, you can also apply some herbs or spices behind the skin. When baking, just be careful not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, the chicken may steam rather than roast.
Here is a quick and simple roast whole chicken recipe:
- 1 (4-pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
Step-by-step guide:
- Set the oven’s temperature to 350 degrees.
- Chicken should be placed in a baking dish.
- Add seasoning to chicken as desired.
- Bake the chicken for 55 minutes, or until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Wait a few minutes before carving the chicken.
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In The Oven Fast?
Follow the 2 ways below to cook a whole chicken fast in the oven!
Using Aluminum Foil
You might try cooking your chicken in aluminum foil if you’re pressed for time. The retention of heat and moisture will aid in accelerating the cooking process.
Simply put the chicken in a baking dish and cover it completely with aluminum foil to cook a whole chicken. To ensure that the chicken is thoroughly sealed in, make sure the foil touches it on all sides. Then bake for 45–60 minutes, or until the chicken achieves an internal temperature of 165°F, in accordance with your recipe, or at 350°F. To ensure that all of the sides are uniformly browned, rotate it halfway through.
Using Convection Setting
You may cook your chicken more quickly in your oven if it has a convection setting. Convection accelerates the cooking process by moving hot air throughout the oven.
Simply set your oven to the preferred temperature and activate the convection option to utilize it. Cook, as directed in the recipe or until the chicken, reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video How To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350
Common Mistakes When Baking A Whole Chicken
When baking a whole chicken, there are a few typical mistakes that people make that frequently result in an overdone, dry, or otherwise unpleasant final product. Here are a handful of the most typical errors to prevent:
- Not using a thermometer: As was already discussed, using a thermometer can help you make sure your chicken is cooked to the proper temperature. This will lessen the likelihood of food illness from undercooked or overdone meat.
- Overcooking: One of the most frequent errors individuals make while baking a whole chicken is overcooking it. To keep your chicken from drying out, keep an eye on it and take it out of the oven as soon as it reaches the correct temperature.
- Not properly preparing the chicken: To ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on the outside, blot it dry with paper towels before putting it in the oven. In order to give your whole chicken more taste, season it well with salt, and pepper, as well as other herbs and spices.
Tips For Perfect Baked Whole Chicken
- Make sure you preheat your oven to the required temperature before putting in the chicken.
- It is important to season the chicken well with salt and pepper, as well as other herbs and spices of your choice.
- Use a thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of your chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit before taking it out of the oven.
- To avoid overcrowding, make sure you use a roasting pan that is large enough to easily fit your chicken.
- To keep your chicken juicy and flavorful, consider basting it with butter or oil every 20 minutes while it’s cooking.
- When you take the chicken out of the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the chicken.
- Serve your cooked whole chicken with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables and/or potatoes for a complete meal experience.
How Do You Keep A Whole Chicken From Drying Out?
You can guarantee that your whole chicken will always be moist by wrapping it in aluminum foil for at least half of the baking period. By doing this, the steam will be contained by the foil wrap, preventing your chicken from drying out even when baked at high temperatures.
How I Thaw Whole Frozen Chicken Before Cooking?
The simplest method for defrosting frozen chicken is to place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag and store it in the fridge for the night. The chicken ought to be fully defrosted by morning.
How To Carve A Whole Chicken?
The most effective way to carve a whole chicken is to start by removing the legs.
- To do this, locate the “joints” on either side of the thigh and use a sharp knife or poultry shears to cut through them.
- Next, separate the thighs from the drumsticks by cutting through the joints with your knife.
- Once the legs have been removed, cut through the breast and separate it from the back.
- To get the most out of your chicken, remove the wings by cutting through the joints.
- Finally, use a sharp knife to carve off thin slices of meat for serving.
Roast Chicken Recipe At 350 Degrees
Here’s a recipe I’ve tried and tested with a whole chicken. You will need:
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Turn the oven’s temperature up to 350 degrees.
- Apply olive oil to the chicken’s outside.
- Add paprika, salt, and black pepper to the chicken’s seasoning mix.
- Set the chicken inside a baking dish.
- Bake the chicken for 55 minutes, or until it is thoroughly done.
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Timer
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Fat: 14 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Sodium: 521 mg
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 0 g
- Vitamin A: 53 IU
- Vitamin C: 0.4 mg
- Calcium: 11 mg
- Iron: 1.3 mg
What To Serve With Whole Baked Chicken?
Whole baked chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or a green salad. For an easy lunch idea, shredded pieces of cooked chicken can be served on top of a bed of greens and a light dressing.
How Do You Store Leftover Baked Whole Chicken In The Fridge?
Leftover cooked chicken should be stored in an airtight container and placed in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. The chicken can be kept for up to four days before needing to be discarded.
If you’re not planning to use your leftovers right away, store them in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to use an airtight container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
How To Reheat Baked Whole Chicken At 350?
There are 2 ways to reheat a baked whole chicken:
In The Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The chicken should be taken out of its packing and put in an oven-safe roasting dish.
- Cook for around twenty to twenty-five minutes in the oven.
- Enjoy while it’s still warm.
In The Microwave
- The meat should be placed in a microwave-safe dish. Place the bowl in the microwave for about a minute after wrapping it in a moist paper towel. Add thirty seconds at a time as necessary.
- Remove the chicken from the casserole and heat it up before serving.
Can You Freeze Baked Whole Chicken Leftovers?
You can freeze whole chicken leftovers. Wrap the cooked meat in aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container and place it in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be sure to use any leftovers within two days of thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions Of How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350
Does A Whole Chicken Have To Be 165?
Yes, the chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to consume.
What Happens If I Eat Chicken That’s Not Fully Cooked?
Eating undercooked chicken can result in food poisoning and other illnesses. Eating raw or undercooked poultry, pork, beef, eggs and other foods can lead to serious health risks such as salmonella and E. coli infection.
How Do I Know When My Chicken Is Done?
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F for it to be safe to eat. To check the temperature, insert a food thermometer into the thickest part of the meat and take an accurate reading.
What To Stuff A Whole Chicken With?
You can stuff a whole chicken with any combination of herbs, spices, and vegetables. Just remember to cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving. Popular stuffing recipes include apples, walnuts, sage, garlic, and thyme.
What Can I Use Instead Of Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to olive oil, try using melted butter or coconut oil. You can also use vegetable or avocado oils. These are all great options for baking and roasting chicken.
Where To Probe A Whole Chicken?
To take an accurate internal temperature reading, insert the food thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. This is usually in the thigh or breast area. Make sure to avoid any bones as you probe for an accurate reading.
What Makes The Roasted Chicken Taste So Good?
The combination of flavorful herbs and spices, a good amount of oil and butter to add moisture, and the high roasting temperature all help enhance the flavor of roasted chicken.
Once you’ve perfected your technique, you can enjoy juicy, tender roasted chicken every time!
Should I Brine The Chicken?
Brining the chicken before baking helps to keep it moist and flavorful. To brine the chicken, soak it in a saltwater solution for at least four hours, or up to overnight. This will allow the meat to absorb the liquid and seasoning before cooking, resulting in a tastier experience.
How Long Should I Marinate The Chicken?
Marinating the chicken helps to enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. You can marinate it for as long as overnight, or even up to three days if you want a more intense flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Doesn’t Dry Out?
Cooking the chicken at a high temperature for the first twenty minutes helps to brown and crisp up the skin. This seals in the juices, keeping your chicken from drying out. After that, reduce the heat to 375°F and cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Final Thoughts
So, how long to bake a whole chicken at 350? 20-30 minutes per pound is a safe bet, but you can always check the internal temperature of your chicken with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. And there you have it! Now you know how long to bake a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Try out this method the next time you want to make a delicious and healthy meal for your family or friends. Sweet Basil’s Cafe hopes you enjoy it!
How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Timer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Chicken
- 2 tablespoons Margarine
- 0,66 celery Stalk
- 0,66 tablespoon Onion Powder
- Olive oil
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove the neck and giblets from the chicken's cavity.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and sprinkle onion powder, salt, and pepper all over it.
- Drizzle the chicken generously with olive oil.
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven, for 10-15 minutes.
- Continue roasting for a further hour at 350 degrees.
- Give the chicken 30 minutes to rest. Enjoy
Notes
- As an alternative, you might roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
- To enhance the flavor of the seasoned chicken, chill it in the fridge for two to three hours, if you have the time.
- Before seasoning, always let the chicken thoroughly defrost.
