Cooking chicken can seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to figure out the right amount of time to cook it. But have no fear – calculating cooking time for chicken is easier than you think! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook chicken perfectly every time.
The Basics – Internal Temperature
The most important factor in determining doneness for chicken is internal temperature. Chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat. The best way to test this is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the breast or thigh without touching any bones.
Don’t rely on the pop-up timer that may come with a store-bought chicken. These are notoriously unreliable. Always double check with a thermometer!
Calculate by Thickness
The thickness of the chicken pieces will impact overall cooking time. Thinner cuts like chicken breasts will take less time than a whole chicken or thick chicken thighs.
As a general guideline:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (3/4 to 1 inch thick): 8 to 12 minutes
- Bone-in chicken breasts (1 1/2 inches thick): 18 to 25 minutes
- Chicken thighs (1/2 to 3/4 inch thick): 15 to 20 minutes
- Drumsticks: 30 to 45 minutes
- Whole chicken (3 to 5 pounds): 1 to 1 1/4 hours
For safety always check the internal temperature of chicken before removing it from the heat source. The times above are just estimates and may need adjusting.
Factor in Weight
For whole chickens and turkey, cooking time depends largely on the weight. A simple formula is to calculate 15-20 minutes per pound for a whole chicken. So a 4 lb chicken would take 60-80 minutes to roast in the oven.
For turkey, estimate 15 minutes per pound if unstuffed or 18-20 minutes per pound for a stuffed turkey. Remember to factor in the extra time if your turkey is stuffed!
Oven Temperature
Higher oven temperatures will shorten cooking time while lower oven temps will extend cooking time. The standard roasting temp for whole chickens and pieces is 350°F to 375°F.
You can go up to 425°F for crispier skin but watch closely to avoid burning. For juicier meat, drop the oven temp down to 325°F and expect the cooking time to be a bit longer.
Always check internal temp – adjusting the oven temp does not mean you can shorten cooking times to unsafe levels.
Cooking Method Matters
The cooking method you use can significantly impact cook times. Here are some estimates based on popular cooking methods:
- Roast in oven (350°F): 45 minutes to 1 1/4 hours
- Grill, bone-side down first (400°F): 30 to 40 minutes
- Fry in skillet, turning once: 12 to 20 minutes per side
- Poach in liquid on stovetop: 20 to 30 minutes
- Slow cooker on low: 4 to 6 hours
- Instant pot high pressure: 15 to 30 minutes
- Air fryer (400°F): 15 to 25 minutes
Boneless cuts tend to cook faster than bone-in And whole chickens take longer than chicken parts Always check internal temp to confirm doneness,
Adjust for Frozen Chicken
If starting with frozen chicken, extend cooking times. For bone-in chicken, allow 1.25 to 1.5 times longer. Boneless chicken may need twice as long.
Partially thawed chicken can take even longer to cook since the outside will be cold while the interior starts warm. Fully thaw chicken in the refrigerator before cooking for most consistent results.
Elevation Impacts Time
Higher elevations will increase cooking times. At altitudes above 3,000 feet, you may need to extend cooking time by 5% to 15%. The boiling point of water is lower at high elevation, impacting how food cooks.
Pay close attention and check temps early when cooking chicken at altitude. You may need to go up to 20% longer cooking time at very high elevations above 7,000 feet.
Get an Accurate Timer
A quality cooking timer is essential for tracking chicken cook times. Visual cues like color change are unreliable. Always go by temperature, not just time. But an accurate timer will still help. Consider:
- Digital kitchen timer with loud alarm
- Remote digital meat thermometer with timer
- Smart home device like Alexa or Google Home
- Stopwatch function on your phone
Set multiple alerts so you check temperatures frequently as the estimated cook time passes. Don’t just set it and forget it!
Follow Recipe Directions
When using a recipe, follow the recommended cook times closely. Recipes are tested and tailored to that specific dish. Factors like marinades, coatings, stuffing, and bone vs boneless are all calculated in.
Still, recipe cook times are guides. Always verify doneness by checking internal temp. Adjust oven temp or time if needed to safely finish cooking the chicken.
Practice Makes Perfect
Don’t get discouraged if it takes some trial and error at first. Each oven and stove cooks a bit differently. Pay attention to cook times and internal temps and adjust accordingly next time.
The more you cook chicken, the better sense you’ll have of exactly how long it takes to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F in your kitchen. Take notes so you remember what worked.
The key is to use a food thermometer and pay close attention during cooking. With some practice, you’ll be able to perfectly calculate cook times for chicken every time for juicy, delicious results!
Estimated Times for Roasting Whole Chickens
Broiler/Frying Chickens
- 1 1/2 to 2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—45 minutes to 1 hour.
- 2 to 2 1/2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—1 to 1 1/4 hours.
- 2 1/2 to 3 pounds—375 F (190 C/Gas 5)—1 1/4 to ` 3/4 hours.
- 3 to 4 pounds—375 F (190 C/Gas 5)—1 3/4 to 2 1/4 hours.
Capon
- 5 to 8 pounds—375 F (190 C/Gas 5)—about 20 minutes per pound plus about 15 minutes standing time.
Tips On Using a Food Thermometer
- According to the USDA, chicken must be cooked to a minimum safe temperature of 165 F (73.9 C) throughout all parts. You can choose to cook it to a higher temperature if preferred. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh, but not touching bone or gristle.
- Check the chickens temperature near the end of the cooking time, before the estimated finish time.
- If your chicken is stuffed, the stuffing must also reach at least 165 F (73.9 C). Even if the chicken meat has reached 165 F (73.9 C) or more, keep cooking until the stuffing is fully done. To check, insert the thermometer into the center of the stuffing.
- When roasting chicken parts, insert the thermometer into the thickest section without touching the bone. Since chicken parts can be irregularly shaped, check the temperature in several pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Clean your food thermometer after each use with hot, soapy water.
What is the Safe Temperature to Cook Chicken to?
FAQ
How to calculate cooking time for chicken?
All these cuts can be roasted for 25-30 minutes. These cuts require a longer cooking time, so roast for 30-35 minutes. Roast for 45 minutes per kg, plus 20 minutes extra.
How do you calculate cook time?
It’s best to calculate your cooking time at 40 minutes per kg or 20 minutes per lb to get the most accurate time.
How long to bake chicken calculator?
| Whole Chicken Weight | Cook Time | Cook Temp |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lbs. | 1 hour and 20 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| 5 lbs. | 1 hour and 55 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| 6 lbs. | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
| 7 lbs. | 2 hours and 45 minutes | 350 degrees Fahrenheit |
How long do you cook a chicken per pound?
Check the temperature in multiple places, at the meatiest parts of the chicken making sure not to touch the bone. A general rule of thumb is to cook poultry at 15 – 20 minutes per pound, but you must use a meat thermometer to assure the right temp. Example – a 3-pound chicken will take approximately 45 – 60 minutes.