How long and at what temperature to cook a 7 lb chicken in convection oven?

Cooking a 7 lb chicken, including preparation time and reaching the internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), will generally take around 2 hours and 15 minutes in a convection oven. However, the exact time can vary depending on the specifics of your oven and chicken's size and shape.

Temperature:

Set your convection oven to 375°F (190°C). The high heat of a convection oven helps to circulate hot air around the chicken, resulting in even cooking and crispy skin.

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your convection oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the chicken by removing any giblets inside and patting it dry with paper towels.

3. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices.

4. If you want crispy skin, you can brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil.

5. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish that fits it snugly.

6. Roast the chicken in the preheated convection oven for 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Tips:

- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, flip it over halfway through the roasting time.

- If you prefer dark meat to be well-cooked, you can tent the chicken with foil halfway through cooking, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes to crisp the skin.

- Always use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure food safety.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat.