How long to roast a whole chicken
Roast a whole chicken for
20min per 450g
Plus 15 minutes (about 44 minutes per kg, plus 15). Oven at 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5).
Times by weight
| Weight | Cooking time |
|---|---|
| 1kg (2.2lb) | 1 hour |
| 1.25kg (2.8lb) | 1 hour 15 min |
| 1.5kg (3.3lb) | 1 hour 25 min |
| 1.75kg (3.9lb) | 1 hour 35 min |
| 2kg (4.4lb) | 1 hour 45 min |
| 2.5kg (5.5lb) | 2 hours 10 min |
Work out an exact weight, and when to put it in.
Oven and resting
Oven: 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5). For a fan oven, set it 10 to 20°C lower. Cooking times stay the same.
Rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving (Q Guild).
How to tell it's done
Cook until it reaches 75°C in the thickest part, between the breast and the leg (safefood).
Without a thermometer: No pink meat, the juices run clear where the thigh meets the body and it's piping hot. (safefood)
Chicken must be cooked all the way through. The FSA's safe core temperature and time combinations are 70°C for 2 minutes, 75°C for 30 seconds or 80°C for 6 seconds. (Food Standards Agency)
Meat keeps cooking while it rests. Take it out about 5 to 10°C below the target and let the rest finish it. (Q Guild)
US guidance: USDA's safe minimum is 165°F (74°C) (FoodSafety.gov (USDA)).
Times from Q Guild, checked 2026-10-24.