How Long To Cook A Whole Chicken At 350

Cooking a whole chicken in the oven at 350°F takes around 20 minutes per pound. For a 2 lb chicken, it would take about 40 minutes, while a 6 lb chicken would take about 120 minutes or 2 hours. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the meat is white to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Is It Better To Bake Chicken At 350 Or 400?

If you want juicy baked chicken, it’s better to bake it at 350°F. However, if you prefer crispy skin and a faster cooking time, it’s better to bake it at 400°F.

How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken In The Oven At 350 Degree Per Pound

Baking a whole chicken in the oven at 350 degrees requires approximately 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 2-pound chicken would typically take about 40 minutes to be done baking in the oven, resulting in tender and juicy chicken meat like that found in restaurants.

How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350 Covered

When baking a whole chicken in the oven covered with foil at 350°F, it usually takes about 20 minutes per pound. However, it’s important to note that covering the chicken with aluminum foil doesn’t make it cook faster; instead, it can help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out.

How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350 Uncovered

Baking a whole chicken uncovered at 350°F typically takes around 20 minutes per pound. When baking the whole chicken uncovered, allow the heat to directly touch the skin of the chicken, which helps in achieving crispy skin with a golden and brown color.

How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350 In Convection Oven

Baking a whole chicken in a convection oven at 350°F typically takes about 15-18 minutes per pound, which is faster than a regular oven. This is because convection ovens circulate the hot air more evenly and efficiently than regular ovens, resulting in faster cooking times. 

How Long To Bake A Small Whole Chicken At 350

Baking a small whole chicken, such as a 2lb or 1.5lb chicken, at 350°F typically takes about 35-40 minutes. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature about 5-6 minutes before the recommended baking time. 

This is because smaller chickens are generally less thick, meaning they require less time to cook. Keeping a close eye on the chicken is crucial to avoid overcooking. then larger ones, which means they will require less time to cook.

How Long To Bake A 3 Pound Whole Chicken At 350

A 3-pound whole chicken would typically require about 60 minutes of baking time at 350°F. On the other hand, a 3.5-pound chicken will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to be done baking in the oven at the same temperature of 350°F. 

How Long To Bake A 4 Pound Whole Chicken At 350

A 4-pound whole chicken typically requires about 1 hour and 20 minutes of baking time at 350°F. As for a 4.5-pound chicken, it would generally take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook at the same temperature of 350°F. 

How Long To Bake A 5 Pound Whole Chicken At 350 

A 5-pound whole chicken would generally take about 100 minutes, or 1 hour and 40 minutes, to bake at 350°F. Since a 5-pound chicken is considered large, it has thicker meat. So, when checking the internal temperature, make sure to insert a meat thermometer deep into the middle of the chicken breast. If the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), the chicken is done. If it hasn’t reached the desired temperature yet, give it an additional 5 minutes and then recheck again until done baking.

How Long To Bake A 6 Lb Whole Chicken At 350

Baking a 6-pound whole chicken at 350°F would typically take about 120 minutes, or 2 hours, to fully cooked. Since a 6-pound chicken is considered extra large, it will require some additional attention. It is recommended to check the doneness of the chicken around 5-7 minutes before the recommended baking time is up. This will help ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection and not overdone. 

How Long To Bake 2 Whole Chicken At 350 

When baking two whole chickens together that have the same weight and thickness, they will generally take the same cooking time which is 20 min per pound. For example, if both chickens weigh 2 pounds each, they will require approximately 40 minutes of cooking time.

However, it’s important to note that if there is a significant difference in size, such as a 4-pound chicken and a 2-pound chicken, it is not recommended to cook them together. This is because the larger chicken has thicker meat and will need more time to cook properly, while the smaller chicken will end up overcooked.

How Long To Bake A Whole Cut-Up Chicken At 350

Baking a cut-up whole chicken at 350°F usually takes less time, around 15-20 minutes per pound, because cut-up chicken pieces are typically smaller and thinner compared to a whole chicken.

How Long To Bake A Whole Stuffed Chicken At 350

A whole stuffed chicken might take a bit longer to bake at 350°F, around 22-25 minutes per pound. The reason for this is that the stuffing inside the chicken acts as a barrier, making it harder for the heat to reach the center of the chicken. So, it needs more time in the oven to ensure that the stuffing is fully cooked.

How Long To Bake A Whole Frozen Chicken At 350 

Baking a whole frozen chicken at 350°F in the oven takes about 50% longer than a thawed chicken, which means it will take around 30 minutes per pound. It is recommended to bake a frozen chicken uncovered to ensure that any excess water evaporates and the chicken does not become watery.

Should You Bake Chicken Covered Or Uncovered?

First, let’s understand that baking a whole chicken covered with foil or uncovered, won’t change the cooking time but it does affect the result.

If you want tender chicken meat that is full of juices, it’s recommended to bake it covered with aluminum foil. If you want crispy chicken skin with a golden and dark brown color, you should bake it uncovered. 

Does Covering Chicken Make It Bake Faster?

No, covering the chicken with foil will not make it bake faster. The foil is thin, and even if it were thicker, the heat would still pass through it and cook the chicken. 

How Do You Keep Chicken Moist In The Oven?

One of the best ways to keep chicken moist in the oven is to marinate it for a few hours before baking. Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the flavorful liquids, resulting in a moist and tender texture even after baking. 

If you’re not a fan of marinating, another option is to cover the chicken with foil before baking. This helps trap the moisture inside the foil, creating a steamy environment that keeps the chicken moist during the cooking process. 

Do You Put Water In Chicken Oven?

Based on my own baking experience, I don’t recommend putting water in the sheet pan while roasting chicken. When I tried it, and chicken’s bottom part that touched the water ended up with a bad color, like raw chicken. Also, I noticed that the chicken didn’t cook evenly, I mean the top was golden brown but the bottom was still raw. So don’t Put water when roasting chicken in the oven, just use foil to keep it moist and that’s it.

Baked Whole Chicken Ingredients

• 1 whole 4lb chicken 
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Herbs of your choice (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, halved
• Butter or olive oil for basting

How To Bake Whole Chicken At 350 Step By Step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Clean the chicken and pat it dry.
3. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs. You can also rub it with minced garlic for extra flavor.
4. Place the halved lemon inside the chicken’s cavity.
5. Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
6. If desired, baste the chicken with butter or olive oil.
7. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
8. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
9. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing the overall flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

How To Know Baked Chicken Is Done

Baked chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F and The juices should also run clear when you cut into it. 

How To Know Baked Chicken Is Done Without a Thermometer

To know that the baked chicken is done cooking without a thermometer, simply cut into the chicken and check if the juices run clear and the color is white.

How Should Chicken Feel When Fully Cooked?

Fully cooked chicken should feel firm but not hard to the touch, the meat should no longer be pink, and the juices should run clear.

Is It Ok If the Chicken Is A Little Pink and Slightly Undercooked?

If this chicken is little and pink in color, it means it’s lightly undercooked, and it’s okay to eat. Usually, some restaurants serve chicken like this. However, if the pink is clear and close to red, you need to keep baking it.

Why Is Oven Baked Chicken So Dry and How to Fix It?

If your chicken is dry because it’s overcooked, you can make it moist again by serving the chicken with sauces like mayonnaise or gravy. The dry chicken can soak up these sauces, making it less dry and tastier.

Why Is Baked Chicken Watery How to Fix it?

Baked chicken can become watery if it’s not cooked at a high enough temperature or if it’s not drained properly. To fix this, ensure your oven is properly preheated and consider patting your chicken dry before cooking.

Why Is Chicken Not Crispy In Oven How to Fix It?

Chicken might not get crispy in the oven if it’s not cooked at a high enough temperature or if it’s covered during cooking. To fix this and get crispy skin, increase the oven temperature from 350°F to 400°F in the last 5 minutes of cooking time. 

For example, if you are baking a 2-pound whole chicken, which normally takes 40 minutes, at the 35-minute mark, change the oven temperature from 350°F to 400°F. If you are using foil, uncover the chicken and bake it for 5 minutes at this higher temperature. This will make the skin become crispy and golden brown.

What Is Best To Serve With Baked Chicken?

“Baked chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a green salad, or rice. These sides can complement the flavor of the chicken and create a balanced meal.

How Long Does Baked Chicken Last In The Fridge?

Baked chicken can be safely stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the baked chicken in glass containers when storing it in the fridge.

How Long Does A Baked Chicken Last In The Freezer?

Baked chicken can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To freeze cooked baked chicken, first, allow the cooked chicken to cool. Then, tightly wrap it in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.

How Do You Reheat Baked Chicken Without Drying It Out?

To reheat baked chicken without drying it out:

1. Preheat your oven to a low temperature, around 200-250°F.
2. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and add a small amount of chicken broth or water.
3. Cover the dish with foil to retain moisture.
4. Heat the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Baked Whole Chicken Nutrition Facts

• Calories 1104
• Total Fat 49g
• Saturated Fat 13g
• Trans Fat 0g
• Cholesterol 576mg
• Sodium 2082mg
• Potassium 1734mg
• Total Carbohydrate 0.1g
• Dietary Fiber 0g
• Sugars 0.1g
• Protein 165g

If you are looking to adjust the cooking time for different oven temperatures, you can use our adjusting cooking time calculator.