Perfect Roaster Oven Chicken: How Long to Cook for Juicy Results

Are you wondering how to get that perfectly cooked, juicy chicken using your roaster oven? Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, knowing the right timing is essential. I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you master chicken in your roaster oven.

Quick Answer: Cooking Times for Chicken in a Roaster Oven

For whole chickens cooked at 350°F (175°C), follow this simple rule

• General guideline: About 20 minutes per pound
• Example: A 5-pound chicken will take approximately 100 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes)

However, the most reliable method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part

Why Choose a Roaster Oven for Cooking Chicken?

Roaster ovens offer several advantages over conventional ovens:

• They heat up faster and use less energy
• They free up your main oven for other dishes
• They’re perfect for cooking larger quantities
• They help keep your kitchen cooler, especially during summer months
• They often result in more tender, juicy meat

Choosing the Right Chicken

Before we talk cooking times, let’s make sure you’re starting with the right chicken:

Size Considerations

The size of your chicken directly impacts cooking time. Most roaster ovens can handle chickens weighing 4-6 pounds comfortably. Larger birds may require adjusting the cooking position.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Always thaw frozen chicken completely before roasting. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven cooking with some parts overdone while others remain dangerously undercooked.

Quality Matters

If possible, opt for organic or pastured chicken. As Renee from Raising Generation Nourished points out, “Whole chickens are less per pound (and in most cases even less per pound than conventional boneless skinless),” making quality chicken more affordable.

Preparing Your Chicken for the Roaster Oven

Basic Preparation Steps:

1. Remove giblets from the cavity
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water
3. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels
4. Season as desired (salt, pepper, herbs, spices)
5. Place breast-side DOWN in the roaster for juicier meat

Simple Seasoning Options:

• Basic: Salt, pepper, and a little olive oil
• Herb blend: Rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic
• Lemon-garlic: Lemon zest, minced garlic, and parsley

Roaster Oven Temperature Settings

For whole chickens, I recommend these temperature settings:

• Standard roasting: 350°F (175°C)
• Slower, more tender results: 325°F (163°C)
• Faster cooking with crispy skin: 375°F (190°C)

Detailed Cooking Times for Chicken in a Roaster Oven

Whole Chicken

Chicken Pieces

If you’re cooking chicken pieces instead of a whole bird:

• Bone-in chicken breasts: 30-40 minutes at 350°F
• Boneless chicken breasts: 25-30 minutes at 350°F
• Chicken thighs (bone-in): 35-45 minutes at 350°F
• Chicken drumsticks: 35-40 minutes at 350°F
• Chicken wings: 20-25 minutes at 350°F

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Chicken in a Roaster Oven

Step 1: Preheat Your Roaster Oven

Always preheat your roaster oven to ensure even cooking. Set it to your desired temperature and allow 10-15 minutes for preheating.

Step 2: Prepare the Roaster

For extra flavor and to prevent sticking, add some coarsely chopped vegetables to the bottom of your roaster:

• 1-2 onions, coarsely chopped
• 4-5 carrots, coarsely chopped
• 4-5 stalks of celery, coarsely chopped

As Renee suggests, “I don’t skin the carrots, or chop the veggies nicely – or even chop off the ends. I just throw them in as is.”

Step 3: Position the Chicken

Place your seasoned chicken breast-side DOWN on top of the vegetables. This allows the juices to flow into the breast meat, keeping it moist.

Step 4: Add Liquid

Fill the roaster with water halfway up the chicken. This creates a moist environment and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Step 5: Cover and Cook

Close the lid and let the chicken cook according to the weight-based timing guidelines mentioned earlier.

Step 6: Check Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, without touching bone.

Step 7: Rest Before Carving

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Tips for Perfect Roaster Oven Chicken

Avoid Overcooking

Overcooking is a common mistake that results in dry chicken. A meat thermometer is your best friend to prevent this!

Basting for Extra Flavor

If you want to baste your chicken, do so quickly to prevent heat loss. However, with a roaster oven, basting isn’t always necessary as the closed environment naturally keeps the chicken moist.

Creating Crispy Skin

If you prefer crispy skin, you can:

• Remove the lid for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking
• Increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 10-15 minutes
• Brush the skin with oil or butter before cooking

Making the Most of Your Roasted Chicken

One of the best things about cooking a whole chicken is how far it can stretch for multiple meals. As Renee points out:

“Depending on the size of your family, the leftover meat will last you up to a week for stir frys, soups, salads, sandwiches, etc!”

Storing Leftover Chicken

After dinner, shred the remaining chicken while it’s still warm:

• It’s easier to tear apart when warm
• Portion into freezer bags for quick meal starters
• Refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months

Don’t Waste the Bones!

Save the bones and carcass to make chicken bone broth:

1. Return the bones to the roaster oven
2. Add fresh water and a splash of apple cider vinegar
3. Cook on low for 24 hours
4. Strain and store the nutritious broth

As Renee notes, “The minerals you leach from the bones of pastured chickens is extremely healing to the gut, and your immune system will never be stronger than getting soups using bone broth in weekly!”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Chicken Not Cooking Evenly

• Ensure your roaster oven is on a level surface
• Don’t overcrowd the roaster oven
• Make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking

Chicken Too Dry

• You may have overcooked it
• Try cooking at a lower temperature next time
• Make sure to add enough liquid to the roaster
• Consider brining the chicken before cooking

Chicken Not Reaching Safe Temperature

• Your roaster oven may not be calibrated correctly
• The chicken might be too large for your roaster
• You might need to increase the cooking time or temperature

Final Thoughts

Cooking chicken in a roaster oven is a convenient way to prepare delicious meals while freeing up your main oven. By following the timing guidelines of approximately 20 minutes per pound at 350°F and using a meat thermometer to verify doneness, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Remember that these times are guidelines—your specific roaster oven might cook slightly faster or slower. The most important thing is to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Now that you know how long to cook chicken in a roaster oven, you can confidently prepare everything from weeknight family dinners to larger gatherings. Happy cooking!

Both 350°F and 400°F can be suitable for roasting chicken, but the best temperature depends on the desired outcome. 350°F is better for ensuring even cooking and retaining moisture, especially for larger pieces like whole chickens. Recipes suggest that a lower temperature results in a more tender and juicy chicken.