Roasting Two Chickens: How Long Will It Take?

how long to roast 2 chickens

Roasting two chickens at once is a great way to save time and money. It's also a fantastic option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The cooking time for two chickens is generally the same as for one chicken, as long as the chickens are not crowded together in the roasting pan and are placed in the middle of the oven. The weight of the chickens is the most important factor in determining roasting time, with most sources recommending a calculation of 20 minutes per pound plus an extra 20 minutes. For example, two 4-pound chickens would roast for 1 hour and 40 minutes, while two 5-pound chickens would take between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. It's also important to note that the chickens should be the same size to ensure even cooking.

Characteristics Values
Oven temperature 425˚F
Bake time 1 hour 15 minutes to 2 hours
Chicken weight 4 lbs to 5 lbs

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Two chickens take the same time to roast as one

Roasting two chickens at once is a great way to save time and effort, and it's good to know that two chickens take roughly the same time to roast as one. Here's a guide to help you get the most out of roasting two chickens:

Planning and Preparation:

Firstly, it's important to choose chickens of similar size and weight. This ensures even cooking, so you don't end up with one chicken being overcooked and dry, while the other is undercooked. Aim for a weight difference of no more than 3.5 ounces (100 grams) between the two chickens.

Oven Setup and Temperature:

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 400°F and 450°F. The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on the recipe and your oven, but this temperature range is generally suitable for roasting chickens.

Roasting Pan and Spacing:

Use a large roasting pan that can comfortably fit both chickens without crowding them together. If your pan is too small, consider using two separate roasting pans and placing them on different racks in the oven. Ensure there is some space between the chickens to allow for even cooking and heat circulation.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

The cooking time will depend on the weight of the chickens. A good rule of thumb is to roast for 20 minutes per pound (450 grams) of chicken, plus an additional 20 minutes. For example, if you have two 4-pound chickens, the total roasting time would be between 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the accuracy of its temperature settings. Always use a meat thermometer to check if your chickens are cooked to perfection. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; the chickens are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F, with clear juices running out when you cut between the leg and thigh.

Tips for a Succulent Roast:

  • Season generously: Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Remember that the seasonings will only be on the surface, so season both chickens well to ensure each slice of meat is flavoursome.
  • Leave the skin on: The skin helps protect the meat from drying out during roasting, resulting in juicy, tender chicken. You can always remove the skin before serving if you prefer.
  • Rest the chickens after roasting: Once the chickens are out of the oven, let them rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavourful meat.

Side Dishes and Leftovers:

Roasting two chickens is a great way to have leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and salads. You can also roast vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, and beets alongside the chickens for a complete meal.

In summary, roasting two chickens at once is an efficient way to feed a crowd or stock up on leftovers, and it doesn't take significantly longer than roasting a single chicken. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to a delicious and successful double roast!

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Don't crowd the chickens together

When roasting two chickens, it's important to ensure that they are not crowded together in the roasting pan. This is because the chickens need adequate space around them for even cooking and to prevent them from drying out.

Firstly, it's important to select a roasting pan that is large enough to accommodate both chickens without them being squished together. If your roasting pan is not big enough, consider using two separate pans, one for each chicken. This will ensure that the chickens have enough space to cook properly.

Secondly, when placing the chickens in the roasting pan, make sure to leave some space between them. They should not be touching each other. If they are too close together, the cooking time may be affected, and the chickens may not cook evenly.

By giving the chickens their own space, you allow the heat to circulate properly and ensure that all parts of the chickens are exposed to the hot air in the oven. This helps to prevent undercooked or overcooked spots and ensures that the chickens cook through evenly.

Additionally, leaving space between the chickens helps to prevent them from drying out. When chickens are crowded together, they can end up steaming instead of roasting, resulting in skin that is less crispy and meat that is less juicy. By giving them room to breathe, you allow the hot air to circulate and crisps the skin while keeping the meat moist and tender.

In summary, when roasting two chickens, it's important to use a large enough roasting pan and to leave adequate space between the chickens. This ensures even cooking, prevents overcrowding, and helps to produce juicy and tender meat with crispy skin.

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Cooking time depends on weight

The cooking time depends on the weight of the chickens. The weight of the chicken determines how long it will take for the heat to reach the centre. The general formula for juicy and tender chicken is 20 minutes per pound plus an extra 20 minutes. For example, a 4-pound chicken will take 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes to cook, while a 5-pound chicken will take 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

It is important to note that the cooking time remains the same whether you are cooking one or two chickens, as long as they are of the same weight. However, if you are cooking two chickens of different weights, it is best to choose two chickens that are within 3.5 ounces of each other to ensure even cooking.

Additionally, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is cooked to the safe temperature of 165˚F. Insert the thermometer into the deepest part of the thigh and ensure that the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and thigh.

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Use a meat thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is a great way to ensure your roast chickens are cooked to perfection. Here are some detailed instructions on how to use one:

Firstly, it's important to choose the right type of meat thermometer. There are two main types available: an instant-read thermometer and a meat thermometer probe. An instant-read thermometer is intended to be used as an inspection tool to verify temperatures, but it cannot be left in the meat during the cooking process. On the other hand, a meat thermometer probe can be inserted into the meat while it is cooking, allowing for constant temperature monitoring. Instant-read thermometers are typically round-dial or digital and can be purchased from kitchen supply stores or hardware stores for $12 to $20.

When using a meat thermometer, it's crucial to insert it into the correct part of the chicken to get an accurate reading. For whole poultry, such as chicken, insert the thermometer into the inner thigh area near the breast but not touching any bones. Make sure to press firmly but not too aggressively. If you feel the thermometer touch bone, remove it and re-insert it in a different spot. It's important to minimise the number of times you insert the thermometer, as each puncture releases juices from the meat.

The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F. At this temperature, the inside of the chicken is cooked, and the outside is crispy. It's important to note that the temperature should be measured at the thickest part of the thigh, as this is the part of the chicken that is most likely to be undercooked. Additionally, the chicken should be allowed to rest for at least 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to let the juices redistribute before cutting into it.

If you're roasting two chickens, it's important to ensure they are roughly the same weight to ensure even cooking. You can use a single in-oven temperature probe and insert it into the larger chicken to ensure both are fully cooked to a safe temperature. Alternatively, you can use two probes and insert one into each chicken.

By following these instructions and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your roast chickens are cooked perfectly and safely every time.

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Let the chickens rest after roasting

Roasting two chickens at a time is a brilliant idea—you get to enjoy one for dinner and use the other for meal prep for the rest of the week! But how long should you let the chickens rest after roasting?

Letting roasted meat rest is an important step that is often overlooked. Firstly, meat continues to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the oven due to carry-over cooking. Secondly, as meat cooks, the muscle fibres start to firm up and push out moisture. When the meat starts to cool, the moisture is able to be reabsorbed more evenly, resulting in tender and juicy meat.

For these reasons, it is recommended that you let your roasted chickens rest for 10-15 minutes for smaller cuts and 15-30 minutes for larger cuts. This will ensure that the meat is not undercooked and that the juices have had time to redistribute, resulting in a more flavourful and tender roast.

While you wait, you can make a gravy using the pan drippings or put the finishing touches on a side dish. Then, slice into your beautifully roasted chickens and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions

Roast two 4-pound chickens for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Roast two 4.5-pound chickens for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Roast two 5-pound chickens for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.

No, roasting two chickens takes the same amount of time as roasting one chicken.

No, the cooking time remains the same as for one chicken, as long as the chickens are not crowded together in a small roasting pan.

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