How Long To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350F?

Chicken is a wonderful food that’s great for all sorts of meals, turning into a favorite for many families.

You probably eat chicken several times a week, whether home-cooked or as take-outs.

The best part is that you get to prepare chicken differently each time; roasting, baking, grilling, boiling or pan-frying.

Each has a delicious finish for every taste bud.

So, how long do you bake a whole chicken at 350F?

Baking a whole chicken at 350F takes about 30 to 40 minutes per pound.

However, the exact time depends on its weight and whether stuffed or unstuffed.

You can bake on low (350F) for longer or briefly on high heat (425).

Adjust the time accordingly, provided the final internal temperature reaches 165F. 

How long to bake a whole chicken at 350?

Let’s look at what you probably don’t know about the cooking time and temperature for tender and crispy chicken.

How long to bake a whole chicken at 350 degrees?

A whole chicken bakes for about 30 to 40 minutes per pound at 350F with an added 10 minutes rest to reach a 165F internal temperature.

Low and slow is the best approach to oven-baking whole chicken; this gives the meat time to absorb flavors and distribute the juices while cooking evenly.

The baking time depends on the thickness, bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless, and chicken weight.

For instance, breast halves bone-in weighing 6 lbs. take about 25 to 35 minutes at 350F, while boneless breast halves weighing 4 pounds bake for 10 to 25 minutes a pound.

Additionally, adjust the time if the chicken has skin. 

For example, a 4 lbs. skinless chicken bakes for about 30 minutes a pound at 350F.

Meanwhile, a 6 lbs. skin-on chicken would roast for about 45 minutes at 350F or until it reaches 165F final internal temperature.

Lastly, chicken stuffing significantly impacts its cooking time.

For instance, a whole 6-pound unstuffed chicken would cook for 30 minutes per pound, while a stuffed chicken would need about 10 to 15 minutes more to cook through.

How long to bake a whole chicken at 400 degrees?

The whole chicken will cook faster at this temperature resulting in a crispier crust.

It takes 18 to 25 minutes per pound for various chicken cuts and 30 minutes for a whole chicken to reach 165F when baked at 400F.

However, the stuffing and skin affect the cooking period.

For instance, a 6 lbs. stuffed chicken would need about 25 minutes a pound to cook at 400F.

At the same time, an unstuffed chicken weighing the same will be ready in about an hour and 30 minutes.

How long to bake a 4lb chicken at 350F?

A 4 lbs. chicken would take about 90 to 120 minutes total cook time at 350F to reach an internal temperature of 165F.

The cooking time varies depending on whether the chicken is stuffed or unstuffed, skin-on or skinless, and desired doneness.

If looking for a medium finish, aim at 160F with 10 minutes of rest time; 165F for done and 170F for a well-done outcome.

Use a probe thermometer to avoid overcooking or undercooking your chicken—especially if stuffed.

A 4 lbs. stuffed chicken leans towards the higher end of cooking time, taking about two hours to reach 165F.

Although stuffing your chicken accentuates the flavors, it’s advisable to bake them alongside the chicken instead of inside.

How long to bake a 5lb chicken at 350F?

Baking a 5 lbs. whole chicken is similar to a 4lbs but an added cook time depending on variables like the stuffing, skin, or thickness.

For instance, a 5 lbs. stuffed skinless whole chicken would need about 2 and ½ hours total cook time at 350F to register a 165F internal temperature.  

On the other hand, an unstuffed 5 lbs. whole chicken will cook for two hours.

Add about 10 minutes to the total cook time if it has the skin on and medium thickness.  

Medium-sized chicken (5 lbs.) is perfect for roasting and takes lesser time to prepare.

For instance, grilling 5 lbs. whole chicken would take approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on whether it’s skinless or skin-on.

Thus, grill instead of baking if you’re in a rush for time.   

How long to bake a 6lb chicken at 350F?

Cooking a 6 lbs. whole chicken takes 2 to 3 hours to reach an internal temperature of 165F with 10 minutes of rest.

Factors like cooking method, stuffing, and chicken skin affect the whole process regarding time.

Suppose you’re cooking 6 lbs. chicken parts, like thighs or legs; it will take about 50 minutes at 350F to reach 165F.

Although the lower temperature takes longer, it decreases the risks of drying out.

Baking medium-sized drumsticks take between 35 and 45 minutes at 350F oven temperatures.

How long to bake whole chicken at 350F in the air fryer?

A whole chicken cooks for about 50 minutes in an air fryer set at 350F, depending on its weight and thickness.

Although the time varies, ensure the final internal temperature reaches 165F.

Air frying your chicken gives extra crispy skin and tender insides, and it’s a quick way to prepare any chicken dish.

Not forgetting, it requires just three steps and ingredients—frugal spending.

Depending on the weight, a 5 lbs. whole chicken will need 45-50 minutes, while a 6 lbs. chicken will require closer to an hour to reach 165F.

Ensure you flip sides halfway through while cooking a whole chicken in the air fryer.

The steps are simple as illustrated below for baking a 5 lbs. whole chicken:

• Step 1: Preparing the chicken—rinse the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel.
• Step 2: Buttering—rub the chicken with olive oil or melted butter and seasonings.
• Step 3: Baking—preheat the air fryer to 350F and bake the chicken for about 50 to 60 minutes or until the internal temperature registers 165F.
• Step 4: Resting—let the meat stand for about 10 minutes before carving and serving.

How long to bake whole chicken at 350F in a slow cooker?

A whole chicken takes about 8 to 12 hours in a slow cooker or until the internal temperature reaches 165F – 175F.

Low and slow is the ideal approach to cooking flavor-dense chicken if time is on your side.

The steps are simple, as illustrated below:

• Step 1: Prepare the meat—rinse and pat dry your chicken with a paper towel.
• Step 2: Make the marinade—Mix herbs and preferred seasonings. Coat the chicken with the dry rub.
• Step 3: Crockpot arrangement—Place half the veggies at the bottom of the pot in an even layer. Set the chicken on top of the veggies and place the remaining veggies around.
• Step 4: Cooking—add chicken stock and cook for 8 to 12 hours.
• Step 5: Measure temperature—Use an instant thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read 165F when done.
• Step 6: Resting—let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do I make the chicken tender and juicy?

First, brine the chicken, marinate and cover while baking for a tender and juicy outcome.

Brining increases moisture while marinating intensifies the flavors in your chicken.

Covering retains juices in the chicken and also enhances tenderizing.

Resting the meat is also essential to redistribute the juices for a tender and flavor-dense meal.

How do I know the chicken is well-done without a probe thermometer?

Although an instant thermometer gives the best results, you can use a metal cake tester or a fork to measure meat doneness.

Insert a metal cake tester or a long knife at the thickest part of your meat to measure resistance.

If the knife slides in smoothly and comes clean, your chicken is well-done.

A slight resistance indicates more cook time.

What can I use to season my chicken?

Depending on your taste buds, you can opt for extra virgin olive oil with lemon juice or balsamic or Italian herb seasoning for that Italian feel.

Teriyaki gives off a spicy Asian taste, while lime chili is great for moderately mild flavoring.

Any spice is okay, provided you don’t overdo it.

Should I bake a whole chicken at 350F or 450F?

It depends on what you’re cooking.

The temperature differs based on how stuffed or the thickness of the amount you’re preparing; a whole stuffed chicken takes about 2 hours while an unstuffed one cooks in about an hour and a half.

For example, tender cuts with soft skins are best at 350F, whereas tougher cuts roast better at 425F.

The bottom line

Baking is a simple meal preparation method, provided you know the correct temperatures and timelines.

When cooking a whole chicken at 350F, approximate the time depending on its size, thickness, and whether stuffed or unstuffed.

Regardless, ensure it reaches a final temperature of 165F with a 10 minutes rest time.

Don’t shy away from preparing that deliciously tender and juicy chicken for friends over the weekend.

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