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Whole Chicken Cooking Time Calculator

Written by · Updated August 13, 2026

Enter the weight of your whole chicken to get the roasting time at 375°F (or 425°F for crispier skin), plus when to start.

Cook time
Active cook
Rest
15 min
Total
Cook to
165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh

Cooked in oven at 375°F (190°C). Times are estimates, always confirm with a meat thermometer.

How long to cook whole chicken

The cooking time for whole chicken depends mainly on its weight and how you’re cooking it. As a starting point, the table below shows estimates in oven at 375°F (190°C) for the roast at 375°f method. Add the resting time, and remember a thermometer is the only way to know it’s truly done.

Whole Chicken cooking time by weight

WeightActive cook (Roast at 375°F)+ Rest
2 lb 40 min 55 min
3 lb 1 hr 1 hr 15 min
4 lb 1 hr 20 min 1 hr 35 min
5 lb 1 hr 40 min 1 hr 55 min
6 lb 2 hr 2 hr 15 min
7 lb 2 hr 20 min 2 hr 35 min
8 lb 2 hr 40 min 2 hr 55 min

Safe internal temperature

Cook to: 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

Tips

  • Pat the skin completely dry for the crispiest results.
  • Add about 15 minutes if the cavity is stuffed.
  • Rest 15 minutes before carving.
These times are estimates that vary with your oven, the starting temperature of the meat and other factors. Always verify doneness with a food thermometer before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long to roast a whole chicken?

At 375°F, roast a whole chicken about 20 minutes per pound; at 425°F about 14 min/lb for crispier skin. A 4 lb bird takes roughly 1 hr 20 min. Cook to 165°F in the thigh.

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