How Long to Cook a Whole Chicken in the Oven
On average, you should expect to cook a roast chicken for about 15 to 20 minutes per pound plus an extra 15-20 minutes in the oven to ensure that it's fully cooked. In a 425-degree oven, average cook times for a whole chicken by weight are:
- 3 pounds: 60 minutes
- 4 pounds: 1 hour and 10 minutes
- 5 pounds: 1 hour and 20 minutes
- 6 pounds: 1 hour and 40 minutes
You can be sure your chicken is done when the juices run clear and when your meat thermometer reads at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit when stuck into the thickest part of the meat.