How Long Do You Cook a Whole Chicken?
Cooking a whole chicken can be a bit intimidating, especially if you’re not exactly sure how long to cook it for. Luckily, there are many different methods for cooking a whole chicken, each with its own cooking time and temperature. Whether you prefer grilling, roasting, slow cooking, pressure cooking, rotisserie, or sous vide, we have you covered!
The Traditional Way of Cooking Whole Chicken
The classic method for cooking a whole chicken is roasting it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F, and place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan. The general rule of thumb for roasting a whole chicken is to cook it for 20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes. For example, a 4-pound chicken would need to cook for 95 minutes, or 1 hour and 35 minutes. Make sure to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; when it reads 165°F, the chicken is fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving into it. Don’t forget to season the chicken with your favorite herbs and spices before cooking, and consider stuffing the chicken with onions, garlic, and other aromatics for extra flavor.
Grilling a Whole Chicken
Grilling a whole chicken is a great way to take advantage of warm weather and the smoky flavors of charred meat. Start by seasoning the chicken with a dry rub or marinade. For a charcoal grill, preheat the coals for 30 minutes before cooking. For a gas grill, preheat on high for 15 minutes before cooking with indirect heat. Place the chicken on the grill with the legs facing the hotter zone of the grill. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Make sure to let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting into it.
Slow Cooker Chicken
Using a slow cooker to cook a whole chicken gives you tender, moist meat with minimal effort. Place the chicken in the slow cooker with your favorite herbs and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when the thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Pro tip: add a sliced onion, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker for extra flavor!
Pressure Cooker Chicken
If you’re short on time, cooking a whole chicken in a pressure cooker is a great option. Place the seasoned chicken in the pressure cooker with 1 cup of broth or water. Cook on high pressure for 6-7 minutes per pound. So, for a 4-pound chicken, you’ll need to cook it for 24-28 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes before using quick release for remaining pressure. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer, and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before carving.
Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a flavorful and convenient way to cook a whole chicken. You can either use a rotisserie attachment on your grill or oven, or buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F. Consider coating the chicken with seasoned butter before cooking for extra flavor.
Sous Vide Chicken
Sous vide cooking uses a waterproof bag and immersion circulator to cook the chicken to the perfect level of doneness. Set the immersion circulator to 150°F, and place the seasoned chicken in a vacuum-sealed bag. Cook for 1-4 hours, depending on the size of the chicken, and then sear it in a hot skillet or on a grill for a crispy skin. Check for 165°F with a meat thermometer and let rest for 5-10 minutes before carving.
Conclusion
So there you have it – six different methods for cooking a whole chicken, each with its own cooking time and temperature! Whether you prefer the classic oven-roasting method, grilling, slow cooking, pressure cooking, rotisserie, or sous vide, there’s a method that will work for you.
