How do you know how long to cook a roasted chicken?

The length of time to cook a roasted chicken is determined by its weight, notes Better Homes and Gardens. A 2.5-pound bird can be cooked as quickly as one hour at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, while a 5-pound bird can take as long as two hours at the same temperature.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm that roasted chicken has reached a safe inner temperature of 165 F or higher. Also, check for visual cues that the meat is thoroughly cooked, such as clear broth coming out of the meat when it is poked and meat falling away from the bones when a chicken leg or wing is moved.