🍖Meat Cooking Time Calculator
Choose your meat, cut, weight and method to get an estimated cook time and the safe temperature to aim for.
What are you cooking?
Whole chicken · 5 lb
Oven (350°F / 175°C)
1 hr 40 min
- Safe internal temp: 165°F (74°C)
- Rest time: 15 min
- Always check with a meat thermometer
Times are estimates — the thermometer is the boss. Check 30 minutes early.
How it works
Cook time = weight in pounds × minutes per pound for that cut and method.
- Oven times assume about 350°F (175°C)
- Smoker times assume 225–250°F
- Grill times assume medium heat, indirect where possible
Safe internal temperatures follow USDA guidance: 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and fish (plus rest), 165°F for all poultry. Low-and-slow cuts like brisket and pork shoulder are cooked much higher (around 195°F) so they turn tender.
Worked example
A 5 lb whole chicken in the oven at 20 min/lb = 1 hr 40 min. Cook until the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F, then rest 15 minutes.
Questions people ask
No — they are estimates. Oven accuracy, starting temperature and shape all matter. Always confirm with a thermometer.
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Last updated September 28, 2026. These results are friendly estimates to help you plan — always double-check before buying or making big decisions.