How long do you cook an 8lb chicken?

Question

The recipe that I'm using requires a 4lb chicken...Well i need to feed more people so I'm using an 8lb chicken. For the 4lb I would have to cook at 425 for 20 minutes then at 325 for 1 hr and 10 minutes. How should I go about the timing for the 8lb?

Answer 1

You cook a 8 lb. chicken in a 350 degree oven for appx. 1 1/2 - 2 1/4 hours

Answer 2

Where do you FIND an 8-lb chicken?

The ultimate answer is that it registers at about 157 to 160 degrees in the center part when you pull it, then you let it sit and the temp will rise to the safer 165 degrees.

The problem is, though, that some of the Purdue and other brands make these huge chickens, so huge that by the time you cook them, the center is cooked, but the rest is overcooked, and it tastes like junk. I've moved over the last few years to buying the small in-store chickens - they're half the size, but when they cook they're BALANCED. Everything is cooked fairly evenly, and actually I think they taste better. So maybe you have to cook two (or even three!) but it'll be better in the long run.

And when cooking, don't go by time (although it will help in your planning) but make temperature your guide. Get an instant-read thermometer (don't leave it in the chicken, by the way, just put it in to check, then remove); they only cost $10 or $12 or so, and get to about 157+ and let the chicken sit after you remove it. It'll get up to 165 and should be fine. Some of these places put these "pop-up" buttons, but they pop up at the legally safe end of the scale, like 185 degrees, and you may not notice until it's 195-200 degrees, and your chicken is dry as hell.

And every oven is different, so cooking "times" are just a guideline. They only work if your oven is calibrated, etc. People who really cook chicken well work with thermometers, at least until they learn to judge for themselves.

Answer 3

8 Lb Chicken Roasting Time

Answer 4

Laura, you must love bloody meat in the thigh's. I cook my 6 pound birds at 2 hours uncovered in a deep roasting pan at 375 generously oiled or buttered and salted and sprinkled. 8 pounders I would cook with a foil tent the first 30-40 minutes(preheated/375) and uncover for another 2 hours. I love that shin crispy as well as juicy. Those legs are a tad over cooked then, but having been splayed out cooking in the pan grease they are yummy yummy good for the tummy.

Answer 5

for the 8 lb I would cook for an hr and a half and only check on it then . it will probably need more cooking but check every 1/2 untill done . good luck .

Answer 6

I would do low for about 6-8 hours or so. You will know when its done, the meat will fall off the bone easily. Or if it is boneless, it will fall apart pretty easy when you use a utensil.