Is It Better To Bake A Whole Chicken At 350 Or 400
If youre looking for a healthier, less expensive option to cook a whole chicken at home, its better to bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if youre hoping to get the most out of your bird by
cooking it at higher temperatures, then you may want to try baking a whole chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why You Should Never Rinse Your Chicken
In the past, recipes recommended rinsing pieces of chicken or turkey with water and patting it dry with paper towels. The U.S. Department of Agriculture changed its stance on this practice. Research shows rinsing poultry can spread bacteria by splashing contaminated water onto the surrounding areas. If any moisture is present on your bird when you remove it from the packaging, simply pat it dry with paper towels, and throw away the paper towels immediately.
How Long To Roast
Over one hour, depending on the size of your bird. This 4 pound bird took one hour and 20 minutes cooking time, then a resting time of 10 minutes to keep all of those juices in before slicing.
Usually Ill pass on chicken breasts because juicy crispy chicken legs are my favourite! BUT! In this roast chicken recipe? I eat it ALL. The breasts come out so moist. NO dry meat happening on this plate!
Do you see that crispy skin happening down there? Thats the part we fight over at the table. PLEASE tell me we are normal and your family fights over crispy skin too?
SOOOO soft and juicy inside!
Don’t Miss: Pizza At The Brick Oven
How To Truss A Chicken For Roasting
If you’re roasting a whole chicken that’s not been spatchcocked , you can truss the bird before roasting it that is, tie it with butcher’s twine to keep the legs close to the body. This is not an essential step, but it does make the chicken slightly easier to handle, and it helps hold the stuffing in if you’ve stuffed the chicken.
- To truss a chicken, cut about a 3-foot length of heatproof butcher’s twine.
- Lay the chicken on a clean surface with the breast facing up.
- Hold one end of the string in each hand, and loop the center of the string underneath the chicken’s tail.
- Catch the ends of the legs inside the string, then cross the string over the chicken’s breast, making an X.
- Loop the string under and around the wings, then tie the string snugly in a knot across the middle of the breast. Make sure that the ends of the wings are tucked in.
What To Put On Chicken To Keep It Moist

If youre looking to keep your chicken moist, there are a few things you can do. One is to add plenty of water and cook it until its cooked through.
Another is to put it in a bowl with some bread crumbs and place it in the fridge for an hour or two. Finally, you can also try adding a little salt and pepper to your birds diet.
Read Also: Stove With Double Oven Gas
How To Cook A Whole Chicken In The Oven
This article was co-authored by Ollie George Cigliano. Ollie George Cigliano is a Private Chef, Food Educator, and Owner of Ollie George Cooks, based in Long Beach, California. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in utilizing fresh, fun ingredients and mixing traditional and innovative cooking techniques. Ollie George holds a BA in Comparative Literature from The University of California, Berkeley, and a Nutrition and Healthy Living Certificate from eCornell University.There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 92% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 507,661 times.
Learning to roast whole chickens will allow you to prepare meat for a large family or several meals at once. It can also save money on your grocery bills, since the butcher charges a premium to separate breasts, thighs and other cuts of chicken. Find out how to cook a whole chicken in the oven.
How To Store Your Cooked Chicken In A Fridge
Store your cooked chicken in a fridge.
Now that you know how long to cook a whole chicken, its time to learn how to store leftovers properly.
To safely and correctly store your cooked chicken in the refrigerator, you should place it in a dry and clean bowl and container to avoid contamination. After that, seal it with stretch film to help keep some extra freshness.
It is a good idea to date your label your container to track the days you have left to enjoy it. Just remember to utilize your cooked chicken within three to four days.
Read Also: Le Creuset Signature Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven
How Long Do You Bake Chicken At 450
Drying out happens when a birds body fat decreases, leaving them unable to return to their natural state. This can lead to bacteria causing an infection, weight loss and even death.
To keep your chicken from drying out, make sure they have plenty of water and food.Drying out happens when a birds body fat decreases, leaving them unable to return to their natural state.
This can lead to bacteria causing an infection, weight loss and even death. To keep your chicken from drying out, make sure they have plenty of water and food.
Dos And Donts For A Perfect Roasted Chicken:
Thaw the whole chicken ahead of time.
Make sure your chicken is completely thaw before you begin, so if you bought a frozen chicken, allow it to thaw in the fridge 1-2 days ahead of time.
Dont wash the chicken.
So maybe this may seem weird at first, but please avoid any inclination to wash your chicken in the sink, as it will contaminate your sink! Remove the chicken from its packaging and dry it off well with paper towels. Any bacteria on the chicken will be killed in the hot oven while it bakes.
Dont baste the chicken.
Basting is really unnecessary to produce a chicken with crispy skin. It also requires you to constantly open the oven, which causes the oven to loose heat and the chicken to take longer to cookwhich could lead to a dry chicken. By smearing an herb butter mixture over the outer and inner skin of the chicken you will ensure the skin will brown beautifully, and taste amazing.
Roast the chicken uncovered.
If you want to know how to get that beautiful crispy skin on your roast chicken, dont cover it during the first part of cooking! The butter mixture that we smear on the outside of the chicken will help the skin to get nice and crispy, and the butter that goes under the skin of the chicken breasts will help protect the meat from overcooking and drying out.
After the skin gets golden you can then add a piece of tinfoil to cover the top of the bird, if you want.
Calculate how long to roast the chicken.
Do test the chicken with a thermometer.
Recommended Reading: Slide-in Electric Range With Coil Burners And Convection Oven
How Do You Keep Chicken From Drying Out
Chicken is a popular meat in many cultures and homes. It is inexpensive to cook and can be eaten fresh or frozen.
However, it can be difficult to keep chicken from drying out. One way to do this is by keeping the chicken in fresh water.
Another way to keep chickens from drying out is by changing their water every day.Many people believe that a whole chicken takes around 350 degrees Fahrenheit to bake.
This is due to the fact that a whole chicken is a lot of meat and bone. In addition, it takes time for the oven to heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the meat evenly.
What Should I Serve With Dutch Oven Chicken
Roast chicken tastes great on its own, but its even better when served with the perfect side. Most vegetables pair well with chicken, but side dishes containing spinach, broccoli, carrots, corn or Brussels sprouts work particularly well. We also love serving chicken with potatoes: mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, scalloped potatoes, fried potatoesyou name a potato cooking method, and it will probably taste great.
When it comes to starches, most of them work well. Whip up a creamy polenta, a complex rice pilaf or go simple with rolls or cornbread. Check out our favorite sides for chicken if you need more inspiration.
Still hungry? Find more roast chicken ideas.
You May Like: Whole Chicken Roaster Oven Recipes
Benefits Of Baking A Whole Chicken At 350
There are a number of benefits to baking a whole chicken at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, including:
Convenience: Cooking a whole chicken in the oven can be done all at once and does not require constant monitoring or turning. This makes it easy to multitask while your chicken is in the oven. Baking is also a very simple and straightforward way to cook a chicken.
Affordability: Since this method of cooking uses just one pan and does not require additional ingredients or spices, it is very budget-friendly. And because you can stretch the leftovers into multiple meals, you will get even more bang for your buck!
Healthy: As we mentioned, baking is a healthy cooking method since there is no added fat. This makes it a great option for those watching their cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
Flavorful: Because you are cooking the entire chicken at once, all of the juices and flavors stay locked inside, resulting in a very flavorful and juicy final product.
So if you are looking for a quick and easy way to prepare chicken at home, try baking it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You will be amazed by how much flavor and juiciness you can achieve with this simple cooking method!
Make A Bed Of Veggies

First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Cut the veggies into medium-sized chunks and add them to the bottom of your Dutch oven. Add a few drizzles of olive oil, along with salt and pepper. You can also add extra seasoning of your choice, such as garlic or onion powder.
Tip: To prevent the bottom of the pot from burning during the cooking process, add a full single layer of veggies.
Also Check: Build Your Own Outdoor Pizza Oven
Whole Roasted Chickens Recipe
We often buy the 2 whole organic chickens at Costco and roast them together. It doesnt take much more effort or time for double roasted Chickens. P.S. Keep this in mind also for the holidays because Roasted Chickens look glorious on a Thanksgiving table.
Be sure to save those pan drippings for making the best chicken gravy. Its the same concept we use for making turkey gravy and youll be amazed how easy it is to make a super flavorful pan dripping gravy.
When Buying Chickens: select ones that are fairly equal in size for even cooking so they are done at the same time. If you only have one in-oven temperature probe, put it into the larger chicken to ensure they are both fully cooked through to a safe temperature.
How Long To Roast 2 Whole Chickens
You should always check your chickens for doneness with a thermometer inserted into the deepest part of the thigh and make sure it reaches at least 165F and you should see the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh. To be extra safe, we let the chicken go 5 degrees higher. Use this chart to estimate roasting times when baking two chickens at 425F:
- 2 Chickens : Bake 1 hour 15 min to 1 hr 30 min
- 2 Chickens : Bake 1 hr 30 min to 1 hr 45 min
- 2 Chickens : Bake 1 hr 45 min to 2 hrs
Recommended Reading: 30 Inch Wall Oven Microwave Combo
What Is The Difference Between Roasted And Baked Chicken
We all know that a whole chicken takes about an hour to bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some people believe that a whole chicken can take up to 2 hours to bake at this temperature.
So, if youre looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, try baking your own whole chicken instead of buying it from the store.
Common Mistakes When Baking A Whole Chicken
There are a few common mistakes that people make when baking a whole chicken, which can often lead to an overcooked, dry, or otherwise unappetizing final product. Here are a few of the most common mistakes to avoid:
Not using a thermometer: As mentioned earlier, its important to use a thermometer when cooking your chicken so that you can ensure that it reaches the ideal temperature. This will help prevent undercooked or overcooked meat, which could lead to food poisoning.
Overcooking: One of the most common mistakes people make when baking a whole chicken is overcooking it. Be sure to keep an eye on your chicken and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches the desired temperature to prevent it from drying out.
Not allowing the chicken to rest: To ensure that your whole chicken is juicy and tender, be sure to allow it to rest for at least ten minutes before carving and serving it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Not prepping the chicken properly: Before placing your chicken in the oven, be sure to pat it dry with paper towels so that it will cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. Additionally, you should season your whole chicken well with salt and pepper or other herbs or spices for added flavor.
Also Check: Le Creuset 5.25-qt Cast Iron Deep Dutch Oven
How Long To Bake Whole Chicken In Oven
Answer
If youre baking a whole chicken in the oven, be sure to keep an eye on it so your bird doesnt develop too many wrinkles or other skin problems. Just like any other meat, a whole chicken needs time to cook through anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, in some cases. Heres how to time your oven baking:
1) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before lying your bird out on a baking sheet.2) Bake the bird for 40 minutes 15 minutes sooner if youre using one of our ovens with timer
functions. If you dont have a timer, be sure to keep an eye on the bird and give it occasional checks throughout its cooking time.
What To Drink With Roast Chicken
For a simple roast with a hint of lemon and thyme, an unoaked Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir would make a lovely match as these wines won’t overpower the flavour of the chicken. If your dish is cooked using strong flavours, go for bolder reds or aromatic whites that will stand up to the herbs and spices.
Also Check: 24 Inch In Wall Gas Oven
Variations For Dutch Oven Chicken
This recipe is pretty much perfect as-is, but the good news is its incredibly adaptable. You can vary the herbs, spices, vegetables and liquid to put your own spin on the dish. Some ideas:
- Go Italian: Season the chicken with basil , parsley and salt, and toss some tomatoes in with the potatoes.
- Curry-style: Season the chicken with your favorite curry mixture. Omit the herbs.
- Thai-style: Season with salt, lemongrass and star anise. Swap the broth with coconut milk, and add a few cloves of garlic and some frozen spinach to the potatoes. Top with minced green onion.
Once youve mastered this recipe, try some of our Dutch oven recipes that will put your skills to the test!
How To Bake A Whole Chicken In The Oven

Answer
Many people think that baking a whole chicken in the oven is a simple task. They are wrong. This process is not as easy as it seems. first, you must preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and
then place your whole chicken into the preheated oven. Next, you must use a cooking spray to coat your bird. Finally, you must place the bird onto a baking sheet and bake it for 25 minutes. Although this process may seem difficult, it is actually relatively simple once you know how to do it correctly.
Also Check: Wall Ovens With French Doors
What Happens If I Eat Chicken Thats Not Fully Cooked
If you eat chicken that has not reached a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you may be at risk for food poisoning. Symptoms of food poisoning from undercooked chicken can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. Its important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, so if you experience any of them after eating chicken, its best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Tips For Perfect Baked Whole Chicken
There are a few simple tips that you can follow to ensure that your baked whole chicken turns out perfectly every time:
Be sure to use a thermometer when cooking your chicken so that you know exactly when it reaches the ideal temperature. This will prevent undercooked or overcooked meat, which could lead to food poisoning.
Cover the baking dish or roasting pan with aluminum foil to help lock in moisture and prevent the chicken from drying out while cooking.
Always allow your chicken to rest for at least ten minutes before carving and serving. This will help lock in all of the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
For extra crispy skin, baste the top of your chicken with butter or oil while it is baking in the oven. This helps create a golden brown and crispy exterior without adding too much fat to the dish.
If you want to add even more flavor and complexity, try brining your chicken for a few hours before baking it. Brining involves soaking the meat in a salt-water solution, which helps infuse moisture into the chicken and adds tons of delicious flavor.
Make sure to pat dry your chicken with paper towels before seasoning and placing it in the oven this helps ensure that your chicken will be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
To add extra flavor, consider stuffing your whole chicken with herbs or other flavorful ingredients before baking.
You May Like: Mac And Cheese Oven Recipe