How Long Does a Chicken Take to Cook Per Kg? A Complete Guide

Cooking chicken to perfection can feel like a bit of a guessing game if you don’t know how long it takes to cook per kg. Understanding cooking times is essential for serving up tender juicy chicken safely.

At my blog, we get asked this question a lot by home cooks. So in this comprehensive guide I’ll explain exactly how to calculate chicken cooking times, share useful tips and include some of my favorite chicken recipes. Let’s dive in!

Calculating Chicken Cooking Times

The main rule of thumb is that chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C to be safe to eat The cooking time varies based on the size and cut of the chicken, the cooking method, and other factors.

Here is a general guide to roasting times per kg:

• 1 kg chicken – 60 minutes
• 1.5 kg chicken – 90 minutes
• 2 kg chicken – 120 minutes
• 2.5 kg chicken – 150 minutes

So for a 2 kg whole chicken, expect it to take about 2 hours to roast in the oven.

Key Factors That Impact Cooking Time

While the basic calculation is 60 minutes per kg, several variables can lengthen or shorten the cooking time.

1. Cooking Method

• Oven roasting takes longest as it uses indirect, even heat to cook the chicken from the outside in.
• Boiling cooks the chicken faster since the hot water surrounds the entire surface.
• Grilling can cook chicken quicker but runs the risk of drying it out.

2. Size and Shape

• A larger chicken will need more time compared to smaller pieces or boneless cuts.
• Whole chickens take longer than chopped up chicken parts.

3. Bone-In vs Boneless

• Chicken cooked on the bone retains more moisture but takes longer to cook through to the center.
• Boneless cuts like breasts and thighs cook faster.

4. Stuffing

• Stuffed chickens require additional cooking time to ensure the filling is fully cooked. Expect it to take 10-15 minutes longer.

5. Starting Temperature

• Take chicken out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking so it can come closer to room temperature. This prevents overcooking the outside before the inside is done.
• Frozen chicken needs 50% more cooking time. It’s best to thaw first.

Oven Roasting Times

Roasting is one of the most popular cooking methods for achieving tender, juicy chicken with crispy skin.

Here are the steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C.

2. Pat chicken dry and rub with oil, herbs, salt, and pepper.

3. Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.

4. Roast for 60 minutes per kg, checking temperature periodically.

5. Let rest 10-15 minutes before carving.

Boiling Chicken Times

For boiled chicken such as in soups or shredded chicken recipes:

1. Place chicken in a pot and cover with water. Add aromatics like garlic and herbs.

2. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium-low.

3. Simmer for 40 minutes per kg until chicken reaches 165°F/75°C.

4. Remove chicken and allow to cool before shredding.

Grilling Times

For juicy grilled chicken with a lovely char:

1. Heat grill to medium-high.

2. Cook chicken for about 30 minutes per kg, turning occasionally.

3. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 165°F/75°C.

4. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips for Cooking Chicken

• Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness rather than relying on the clock.

• Let chicken rest after cooking for juicier meat.

• Avoid washing chicken to prevent splashing bacteria around. Instead, just pat dry with paper towels.

• For extra crispy skin, coat with baking powder before roasting.

• For added flavor and moisture, rub chicken with olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs before roasting.

Delicious Roasted Chicken Recipes

Now that you know how to master cooking chicken, here are two of my favorite flavorful roast chicken recipes to try:

Herb Roasted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (2 kg)
• 2 lemons
• Fresh thyme, rosemary, sage
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F/180°C.

2. Pat chicken dry and rub all over with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs.

3. Stuff cavity with whole lemons and fresh herb sprigs.

4. Roast for 120 minutes until 165°F/75°C.

5. Let rest 10 minutes before carving.

Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (1.5 kg)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C.

2. In a small bowl, combine garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Loosen chicken skin and rub spice mixture directly onto meat.

4. Roast chicken for 90 minutes until 165°F/75°C.

5. Squeeze lemon juice over chicken before serving.

So there you have it! With this handy guide, you can easily calculate how long to cook chicken per kg for tender, juicy results every time. Give these flavorful roast chicken recipes a try tonight. Enjoy!

A 5.5 lb chicken will generally take 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes to roast in a 375°F (190°C) oven.