Oven Cooking Times & Temperatures

Getting your cooking times right can mean the difference between a perfect meal and a kitchen disappointment.

While every oven performs differently, and factors like size and thickness of food affect cooking times, having a general guide can help you plan and prepare meals more confidently.

In this guide, we'll explore cooking times for popular foods and share tips for achieving the best results with your oven.

Important note about oven cooking times

Before we dive into specific timings, please note that all cooking times provided are approximate guidelines only. Actual cooking times may vary depending on:

Your specific oven model and whether it's fan-assisted
The size and thickness of the food
The starting temperature of the food
The number of items being cooked
The desired level of doneness

Always ensure food is thoroughly cooked and reaches safe internal temperatures before serving. When in doubt, use a food thermometer to check.

Recommended oven cooking times

Here's a general guide to cooking times for popular foods. All temperatures are for conventional ovens – reduce by 20°C for fan ovens.

Food item	Temperature (UK)	Cooking time	Notes
Chicken breast	200°C	20-25 mins	Turn halfway through, ensure no pink meat
Chicken thighs	190°C	25-30 mins	Skin on, bone in
Chicken legs	190°C	35-40 mins	Until golden and cooked through
Chicken wings	200°C	25-30 mins	Turn halfway for even crispiness
Chicken drumsticks	190°C	30-35 mins	Until golden brown
Jacket potatoes	200°C	60-90 mins	Pierce skin, oil and salt for crispy skin
Salmon fillet	180°C	15-20 mins	Depends on thickness
Sausages	190°C	20-25 mins	Turn occasionally
Beef brisket	160°C	Calculate: 40 mins per 450g, then add 20 mins to total time	Cover with foil, rest for 15 mins after cooking
Pork chops	180°C	20-25 mins	2-3cm thick
Bacon	200°C	15-20 mins	For crispy bacon
Gammon joint	180°C	Calculate: 30 mins per 450g, then add 30 mins to total time	Rest for 15 mins after cooking
Roast beef	190°C	Calculate: 20 mins per 450g, then add 20 mins to total time	For medium doneness, rest for 15 mins after cooking
Lamb breast	170°C	Calculate: 25 mins per 450g, then add 25 mins to total time	Rest for 10-15 mins after cooking

Understanding oven cooking times for larger joints

When cooking larger cuts of meat, the cooking times need to be calculated based on weight. Let's look at a practical example:

Say you're cooking a 900g joint of beef:

First, work out how many 450g portions this equals (900g ÷ 450g = 2)
Then multiply your 'per 450g' cooking time by this number
Finally, add the additional time specified

For example, for a 900g roast beef joint at 190°C:

Basic calculation: 20 mins × 2 = 40 mins (for the 900g)
Add the extra 20 minutes specified
Total cooking time = 60 minutes

The same applies to other large joints, for example:

For beef brisket: 40 mins per 450g plus 20 mins
For gammon: 30 mins per 450g plus 30 mins
For lamb: 25 mins per 450g plus 25 mins

Remember that these times are guidelines for achieving medium doneness where applicable. Always ensure meat is cooked through, and use a meat thermometer if in doubt. Resting your meat after cooking is also crucial, as this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more flavourful result.

Here are some more specifics for the most commonly asked questions on food cooking times:

How long to cook chicken breast in oven

Chicken breast is one of the most versatile proteins, but it can quickly become dry if overcooked. For perfect results, preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan. Season your chicken breasts and cook for 20-25 minutes, depending on size. The internal temperature should reach 75°C, and juices should run clear when pierced at the thickest part.

How to cook beef brisket in oven

Brisket requires slow cooking for the best results. Preheat your oven to 160°C/140°C fan. Season your brisket generously and place in a roasting tin with some liquid (stock, wine, or water). Cover tightly with foil and cook for approximately 40 minutes per 450g plus an additional 20 minutes. The meat should be tender enough to pull apart easily when done.

How long do jacket potatoes take in the oven?

The perfect jacket potato needs time to develop a crispy skin and fluffy interior. Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan. After washing and drying your potatoes, prick the skin several times, rub with oil and salt, then bake for 60-90 minutes depending on size. They're ready when the skin is crispy and the inside feels soft when pierced.

Achieving perfect results when oven cooking

Whatever you're cooking, these tips will help you achieve better results:

Temperature matters: Always preheat your oven thoroughly before cooking. A standalone oven thermometer can help verify your oven's temperature accuracy.
Food placement: Position food in the centre of the oven unless your recipe specifies otherwise. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even heat distribution.
Regular checking: While it's tempting to keep opening the oven door, this releases heat and can affect cooking times. Use your oven light when possible.

Getting the most from your oven

Modern ovens offer features that can help achieve more consistent results. Hoover's range includes models with precise temperature control, multiple cooking functions, and even smart technology to help you achieve perfect results every time.

Remember that these times are guidelines only – experience with your own oven and careful observation will help you adjust timings for perfect results. Always ensure food is cooked thoroughly before serving, particularly meat and poultry.

Looking to upgrade your cooking experience? Explore Hoover's range of ovens and hobs, designed with precise temperature control and innovative features to help you achieve perfect results every time. Whether you're roasting, baking, or grilling, the right oven makes all the difference in your cooking success.

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