how long to bake a 5 pound chicken at 350

To bake a 5-pound whole chicken at 350°F (175°C), you can follow these general guidelines:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Rinse and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
3. Season the chicken as desired (e.g., with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices).
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Baking time for a 5-pound whole chicken at 350°F (175°C):

* Unstuffed chicken: 20-25 minutes per pound, so for a 5-pound chicken, bake for 100-125 minutes (1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 5 minutes).
* Stuffed chicken: 25-30 minutes per pound, so for a 5-pound chicken, bake for 125-150 minutes (2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes).

It’s essential to check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it reaches a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Here are some additional tips:

* Baste the chicken with melted butter or olive oil every 30 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.
* If you’re concerned about the chicken drying out, you can cover the breast with foil for the first 30-40 minutes of baking.
* Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.

Remember, oven temperatures can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check the chicken’s internal temperature and adjust the baking time as needed.