Meat and Poultry Roasting Charts (2024)

Raw meat and poultry should always be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature. Always use a food thermometer to assure that meat and poultry have reached a safe minimum internal temperature. When roasting meat and poultry, set the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) or higher. Explore the charts below to learn how to get great results every time you cook.

Note: The information onthis page does not include foods containing ground meat and poultry, including meatloaf and sausage. Check thesafe minimum internal temperature chartfor safe cooking temperatures and rest times for all meat and poultry, seafood, and other cooked foods.

Meat Charts

Beef, Lamb, Pork and Veal Roasting Chart

Download Meat Roasting Chart as PDF

Minimum internal temperature = 145°F (63°C).

Allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

TypeOven °F/°CTiming
Beef
Rib roast, bone-in
4 to 6 lbs.
325°F (163°C)23 to 25 min/lb.
Rib roast, boneless
4 to 6 lbs.
325°F (163°C)28 to 33 min/lb.
Round or rump roast
2 ½ to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)30 to 35 min/lb.
Tenderloin roast, whole
4 to 6 lbs.
425°F (218°C)45 to 60 minutes total
Lamb
Leg, bone-in
5 to 7 lbs.
7 to 9 lbs.
325°F (163°C)20 to 25 min/lb.
10 to 15 min/lb.
Leg, boneless, rolled
4 to 7 lbs.
325°F (163°C)25 to 30 min/lb.
Shoulder roast
3 to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)30 to 35 min/lb.
Fresh Pork
Loin roast, bone-in or boneless
2 to 5 lbs.
350°F (177°C)20 min/lb.
Crown roast
10 lbs.
350°F (177°C)12 min/lb.
Tenderloin
½ to 1 ½ lbs.
425°F (218°C) - 450°F (232°C)20 to 27 minutes total
Boston butt
3 to 6 lbs.
350°F (177°C)45 min./lb.
Ribs
2 to 4 lbs.
350°F (177°C)1 ½ to 2 hours (or until fork tender)
Veal
Rib roast
4 to 5 lbs.
325°F (163°C)25 to 27 min/lb.
Loin
3 to 4 lbs.
325°F (163°C)34 to 36 min/lb.

Ham Cooking Chart

Download Ham Cooking Chart as PDF

Set oven temperature to 325°F (163°C)

TypeWeightTiming
Smoked Ham, cook before eating

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole, bone-in10 to 14 lbs.18 to 20 min/lb.
Half, bone-in5 to 7 lbs.22 to 25 min/lb.
Shank or butt portion, bone-in3 to 4 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Arm picnic shoulder, boneless5 to 8 lbs.30 to 35 min/lb.
Shoulder roll (butt), boneless2 to 4 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Smoked Ham, cooked

Reheat cooked hams packaged in USDA-inspected plants to a minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and all others to 165°F (74°C).

Whole, bone in10 to 14 lbs.15 to 18 min/lb.
Half, bone in5 to 7 lbs.18 to 24 min/lb.
Arm picnic shoulder, boneless5 to 8 lbs.25 to 30 min/lb.
Canned ham, boneless3 to 10 lbs.15 to 20 min/lb.
Vacuum packed, boneless6 to 12 lbs.10 to 15 min/lb.
Spiral cut, whole or half7 to 9 lbs.10 to 18 min/lb.
Fresh ham, uncooked

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole leg, bone in12 to 16 lbs.22 to 26 min/lb.
Whole leg, boneless10 to 14 lbs.24 to 28 min/lb.
Half, bone in5 to 8 lbs.35 to 40 min/lb.
Country ham

Cook to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and allow to rest for at least 3 minutes.

Whole or half
  1. Soak 4 to 12 hours in refrigerator.
  2. Cover with water, then boil 20 to 25 minutes per pound.
  3. Drain the ham and cook at 400°F (204°C) for 15 minutes to brown.

Poultry Charts

Poultry Roasting Chart

The times shown below are for unstuffed poultry. Add 15 to 30 minutes for stuffed birds. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the center of the stuffing.

Download Poultry Roasting Chart as PDF

Minimum internal temperature = 165°F (74°C)

Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh, innermost part of the wing, and thickest part of the breast.

TypeOven °F/°CTiming
Chicken, whole
3 to 4 lbs
5 to 7 lbs.
350°F (177°C)1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
2 to 2 ¼ hours
Chicken, breast halves, bone-in
6 to 8 oz.
350°F (177°C)30 to 40 minutes
Chicken, breast halves, boneless
4 oz.
350°F (177°C)20 to 30 minutes
Capon, whole
4 to 8 lbs.
350°F (177°C)2 to 3 hours
Cornish hen, whole
18 to 24 oz.
350°F (177°C)50 to 60 minutes
Duck, whole (do not stuff)
4 to 6 lbs.
350°F (177°C)30 to 35 min/lb
Duck, legs or thighs325°F (163°C)1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours
Young goose, whole
8 to 12 lbs.
325°F (163°C)2 ½ to 3 hours
Young goose, pieces or cut up325°F (163°C)2 hours

Turkey Roasting Time by Size

Download Turkey Roasting Chart as PDF

Set oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).

Minimum internal temperature = 165°F (74°C)

Turkey SizeUnstuffedStuffed
4 to 6 lbs. (breast)1 ½ to 2 ¼ hoursNot usually applicable
6 to 8 lbs. (breast)2 ¼ to 3 ¼ hours3 to 3 ½ hours
8 to 12 lbs.2 ¾ to 3 hours3 to 3 ½ hours
12 to 14 lbs.3 to 3 ¾ hours3 ½ to 4 hours
14 to 18 lbs.3 ¾ to 4 ¼ hours4 to 4 ¼ hours
18 to 20 lbs.4 ¼ to 4 ½ hours4 ¼ to 4 ¾ hours
20 to 24 lbs.4 ½ to 5 hours4 ¾ to 5 ¼ hours

Turkey Thawing Time

Download Turkey Thawing Chart as PDF

To thaw in a refrigerator, allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds.

For cold water thawing, allow about 30 minutes per pound. A turkey thawed in cold water should be cooked right after thawing.

Turkey SizeThaw in Refrigerator
(set to 40°F (4°C) or below)
Thaw in Cold Water
(change water every 30 minutes)
4 to 12 lbs.1 to 3 days2 to 6 hours
12 to 16 lbs.3 to 4 days6 to 8 hours
16 to 20 lbs.4 to 5 days8 to 10 hours
20 to 24 lbs.5 to 6 days10 to 12 hours
Meat and Poultry Roasting Charts (2024)

FAQs

What is the time chart for roasting chicken? ›

Roasting Chicken
TypeWeightApproximate Time at 350°F
Whole Chicken3 – 5 lb. broiler1 1/4 – 1 1/2 hrs.
Whole Chicken6 – 8 lb. roaster1 1/2 – 2 1/4 hrs.
Breast, Bone-In6 – 8 oz.30 – 40 min.
Breast, Boneless4 oz.20 – 30 min.
5 more rows

What is the proper cook temperature for roast and poultry? ›

Poultry Roasting Chart
Minimum internal temperature = 165°F (74°C) Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh, innermost part of the wing, and thickest part of the breast.
TypeOven °F/°C
Chicken, whole 3 to 4 lbs 5 to 7 lbs.350°F (177°C)
Chicken, breast halves, bone-in 6 to 8 oz.350°F (177°C)
7 more rows
Sep 21, 2023

What are the guidelines for roasting meat? ›

Place the meat in the oven and cook for 20 to 30 minutes at the high temperature. Lower the temperature to between 275 F and 325 F and roast until done. Remove the roast from the oven, cover it in foil, and let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving.

When roasting meat and poultry use an oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees? ›

Raw meat and poultry should always be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature (see graphic). When roasting meat and poultry, use an oven temperature no lower than 325 °F. If you aren't going to serve hot food right away, it's important to keep it at 140 °F or above.

Is it better to roast chicken at 350 or 400? ›

You can roast or bake anywhere between 325 and 450 degrees F. When roasting a whole chicken, a nice rule of them is to start at 400 to 425 degrees F and then turn the oven down to 350 after 15 minutes and cook until the internal temp of the chicken is 165 – 175 degrees F on an instant read thermometer.

How do you calculate roasting time for chicken? ›

Estimated Times for Roasting Whole Chickens

1 1/2 to 2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—45 minutes to 1 hour. 2 to 2 1/2 pounds—400 F (200 C/Gas 6)—1 to 1 1/4 hours. 2 1/2 to 3 pounds—375 F (190 C/Gas 5)—1 1/4 to ` 3/4 hours.

What temperature is meat and poultry done? ›

Safe internal cooking temperatures vary depending on the type of meat but are commonly around 145°F (65°C) for whole meats and 160–165°F (70–75°C) for ground meats. This includes traditional meats like chicken and beef, as well as wild game.

What is the time chart for cooking roast beef? ›

Method
  • Seal the joint in a hot pan for 3-4 minutes over a high heat before transferring to the oven.
  • Preheat oven to 180°C/Gas 4 and allow:
  • 20 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for rare)
  • 25 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for medium)
  • 30 minutes per 500g plus 20 minutes (for well-done)

What is the rule of roasting? ›

Basic roasting rules

Bring meat to room temperature before cooking; remove it from the fridge about 20 minutes before you plan to cook it. Use a heavy-duty roasting dish, large enough to allow your roast to become evenly cooked and browned. Use a roasting rack in the baking dish.

What is the temperature chart for meat? ›

Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for Cooking
FoodTypeInternal Temperature (°F/°C)
LeftoversAny type165°F (74°C)
PorkSteaks, roasts, chops145°F (63°C) Rest time: 3 minutes
Ground meat and sausage160°F (71°C)
Rabbit and venisonWild or farm-raised160°F (71°C)
12 more rows
Mar 14, 2024

What are the steps to roasting? ›

5 Steps to a Great Roast
  1. Season and let stand. Sprinkle the exterior of the roast with salt (preferably kosher) and let it stand at room temperature for at least an hour. ...
  2. Tie before cooking. ...
  3. Sear before roasting. ...
  4. Choose appropriate roasting method. ...
  5. Let Meat Rest.

What is the 4 hour food rule? ›

The 2-hour/4-hour rule outlines the time potentially hazardous food can be safely held between 5°C and 60°C. The rule was developed based on scientific studies. between 2 and 4 hours, the food can still be used, but can't be put back in the fridge • 4 hours or longer, the food must be thrown out.

Is it better to cook a roast at 325 or 350? ›

The perfect temperature to roast at (after searing) is 325 °F. Refer to the Roast Perfect App for specific times for your roast cut.

What is the 40 140 4 rule? ›

40-140-4 Rule for Meat

If you are planning to smoke or grill meat, you should know about the 40-140-4 rule; The idea behind this rule is that meat should increase the temperature from 40°F to 140°F within 4 hours. It will reduce the bacteria growth to a great extent.

What is the best temperature and time to bake chicken? ›

For large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cook them 20 to 30 minutes in a 375 degrees F oven. For large bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: cook them 35 to 40 minutes in a 375 degrees F oven. For answers to all the rest of the questions you might have, the article How Long to Cook Chicken Breast In the Oven?

How long to cook chicken at each temperature? ›

Generally, boneless chicken breasts take around 25-30 minutes to cook in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks may take 35-45 minutes. Grilling chicken typically takes around 5-15 minutes per side, while frying chicken can take 5-10 minutes per piece.

How long does it take for chicken to fully cook at 350? ›

The right temperature and time
Type of chickenWeightRoasting: 350°F (177˚C)
breast halves, boneless4 oz.20 to 30 minutes
legs or thighs4 to 8 oz.40 to 50 minutes
drumsticks4 oz.35 to 45 minutes
wings2 to 3 oz.20 to 40 minutes
1 more row

How long do you cook a roast chicken by weight? ›

How Long to Roast a Chicken
Weight (in lbs.)Regular MethodHigh Heat Method
5.5 to 62 hours 15 minutes2 hours
6 to 6.52 hours 25 minutes2 hours 10 minutes
6.5 to 72 hours 35 minutes2 hours 20 minutes
7 to 7.52 hours 45 minutes2 hours 30 minutes
6 more rows
Dec 9, 2021

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