How Long to Bake a Whole Chicken at 350?

Chicken roast is the delicious and mouth-watering dish that we all love to have at family dinners, friends’ get-togethers, and birthday parties. It is not rocket science to roast or bake a whole chicken. You need some seasoning and basic ingredients, and your whole chicken is ready to go into the oven for baking.  

How Long to Bake a Whole Chicken at 350? The whole chicken needs 1.5 to 2 hours to roast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time is for average-sized chicken. Since chickens vary significantly in size, the best way is to check the doneness level using a meat thermometer. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven. 

These are the basics of roasting chicken in the oven at 350. There is more you have to learn about baking whole chicken in the oven at 350. So, continue reading the post, as it will equip you with all pro-level knowledge. 

How Long to Bake a Whole Chicken at 350? 

Whole chicken needs around 20 minutes per pound to cook and roast in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you are cooking an average-sized chicken of 4 pounds, you have to cook it for 80 minutes in the oven at 350. A whole chicken of 4 lbs is sufficient for a medium to a small family, and to cook a whole chicken of 4lbs, you need to preheat the oven to 350 and roast it for 80 minutes. However, the controlled temperature is necessary to achieve ultimate results, and slow-cooking for 1.5 to 2 hours in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit would offer perfect results.  

It is always best to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the meat before taking it out of the oven. The internal temperature of the chicken must be between 165 and 170 degrees Fahrenheit. It indicates that the chicken is fully cooked. Here is the guide on how long to bake a whole chicken at 350.

  • 3 lbs whole chicken – 3×20 Minutes – 60 Minutes or One Hour
  • 4 lbs whole chicken – 4×20 Minutes – 80 Minutes
  • 5 lbs whole chicken – 5×20 Minutes – 100 Minutes
  • 6 lbs whole chicken – 6×20 Minutes – 120 Minutes
  • 7 lbs whole chicken – 7×20 Minutes – 140 Minutes
  • 8 lbs whole chicken – 8×20 Minutes – 160 Minutes       

Please ensure that you don’t overcook the meat, and the best way to prevent it is by checking the internal temperature at least 15-20 minutes before the cooking time finishes. Moreover, if you want coloring and brown crust on the chicken, it is suggested to cook the chicken at a high temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the cooking will be reduced to 15 minutes per pound in the oven at 400.  

What is the Right Cooking Temperature for a Whole Chicken in the Oven? 

Cooking a whole chicken in the oven at 350 is a technique that depends on different factors, including the size of the chicken, weight, temperature, and the recipe. When you start cooking the whole chicken at high temperatures, it helps seal the pores and gives a golden-brown crust to the whole chicken. High temperature also adds crispness and color to the whole chicken while roasting. However, the cooking time is decided according to the size and weight of the chicken.  

After cooking for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, reduce the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to roast for 60 to 120 minutes. Usually, a whole chicken needs 20 minutes per pound to cook in the oven at 350. So, calculate the cooking time according to the size and weight of the chicken in the oven at 350.  

When Is It Time to Take the Chicken Out of the Oven? 

Monitoring the doneness level is necessary when cooking a whole chicken in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking it at high temperatures is risky as it may lead to burning. High temperature also makes the meat chewy and firmer. So, it is necessary to know when you have to take the chicken out of the oven when cooking at 350.  

Three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit is considered the ideal temperature for cooking a whole chicken. It is the slow-cooking temperature. However, you have to monitor the doneness level of the chicken at regular intervals. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.  

Insert the thermometer in the thighs of the chicken and check if it has reached 165 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Until it reaches the internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit, it is not fully cooked and ready to serve.  

So, monitor the internal temperature and ensure it has reached 165-170 degrees Fahrenheit before taking it out of the oven. 

Can You Cook a Whole Chicken at 400? 

Cooking a whole chicken at a high temperature is good for reducing the cooking time. Cooking the whole chicken at 400 will lock the pores and give a golden-brown color to the chicken. But it may make the meat chewy and firmer inside. So, cook the whole chicken for 10-15 minutes at 400 and reduce it later to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for slow and perfect cooking.  

Can You Use Frozen Whole Chicken for the Recipe? 

Yes, a frozen whole chicken can be used for the recipe, but you have to increase the cooking time because you must thaw it completely before roasting it in the oven. A fresh whole chicken will give you better results than a frozen whole chicken.  

Can You Cook Whole Chicken With Wraps? 

There is no precise answer to the question as some recipes demand wrap-cooking, while in some recipes, you may cook the whole chicken uncovered. So, depending upon the recipe, you may cook the whole chicken covered or unwrapped. 

Conclusion 

Being a chicken lover, you know how long to bake a whole chicken at 350. You have to cook a whole chicken for 20 minutes per pound at 350. It is the slow-cooking temperature that offers the best results. However, cooking the whole chicken at 400 is possible, which will offer a golden to brown color to the exterior, making the inner meat chewy and firmer. So, cook it at a low temperature of 350 to get it done perfectly.  

Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, and it must not exceed 170 degrees Fahrenheit. So, enjoy roasting a whole chicken for your next family dinner.

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About Joy

Hi, I'm Martin and my friends call me Joy. From an early age, I was interested in food, vegetables, and fruits. I even have a nutritionist certificate. While searching for some information, I didn't find the answer, so I start a page BrunchWithJoy.com

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