How to Bake Chicken

You don't need to wash the chicken before you cook it. However, sometimes the cavity of the chicken is packed with gizzards or other internal organs; remove this packet before cooking. Set the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. While the oven is heating, brush the chicken with olive oil or butter and season with salt, pepper, and desired herbs and/or spices.

Place the chicken (in the roasting pan) in the preheated oven. Cooking times vary by weight:
2-1/2- to 3-pound chicken: Roast 1 to 1-1/4 hours
3- to 3-1/2-pound chicken: Roast 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours
3-1/2- to 4-pound chicken: Roast 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 hours
4-1/2- to 5-pound chicken: Roast 1-1/2 to 2 hours

The chicken is done cooking when the juices run clear, the chicken is no longer pink, and the drumsticks move easily in their sockets. The internal temperature -- measured by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh (the thermometer should not touch bone) -- should be 180 degrees F.

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Brush chicken pieces with oil and season as desired. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in a baking pan or roasting pan.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the chicken pieces, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes or until no longer pink (internal temperature should be 170 degrees F for chicken breasts, 180 degrees F for thighs and drumsticks).

To store: Let chicken stand for 30 minutes to cool. Individually wrap chicken pieces in waxed paper. Divide wrapped chicken between two large freezer bags, removing as much air as possible from bags. Label and freeze for up to 4 months.

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