Roast Timing Tool

🐔 Chicken Roast Calculator

Cooking times, temperatures, and a full timeline for chicken. Select your cut, enter the weight, and get your result instantly.

Temp

Cooking times are estimates. Always verify doneness with a meat thermometer and refer to USDA food safety guidelines.

Step by step

How to roast chicken

  1. 1

    Choose your cut

    Select from whole chicken, chicken breast

  2. 2

    Enter the weight

    Type in the weight in kg or lb

  3. 3

    Set your preferences

    Choose oven type, stuffed, bone-in, or spatchcock options

  4. 4

    Get your result

    See cook time, oven temp, pull temperature, and rest time instantly

  5. 5

    Plan backwards

    Enter your serve time and get a full timeline from thaw to table

Reference

Chicken cooking time chart

CutWeight (lb)Oven TempApprox TimeInternal TempRest
Whole Chicken4400°F1h 20m165°F15 min
8400°F2h 40m165°F15 min
12400°F4h 0m165°F15 min
Chicken Breast4400°F56m165°F5 min
8400°F1h 52m165°F5 min
12400°F2h 48m165°F5 min
Safety

About roasting chicken

Cooking times are estimates and depend on oven accuracy, the shape and starting temperature of your meat, and other factors. Always verify doneness with a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding bone.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about roasting chicken

How long does it take to roast a whole chicken?
A whole chicken takes approximately 20 minutes per pound at 400°F (200°C). A 4-lb chicken takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Use the chicken calculator for precise times.
What internal temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken must reach 165°F (74°C) internally, measured in the thickest part of the thigh. Pull at 160°F (71°C) and let rest — carryover cooking will bring it to target.
Should I roast chicken at a high or low temperature?
A hotter oven (400°F / 200°C) gives crispier skin. If you prefer juicier meat, you can roast at 350°F (175°C) for slightly longer. RoastClock adjusts times for both.
How long should chicken rest after roasting?
Rest for 15 minutes, loosely tented with foil. This allows juices to redistribute and carryover cooking to finish.