It takes about 4 to 5 minutes per pound of total weight to deep fry a whole chicken. Fry the chicken in oil that stays between 325 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
To determine whether the chicken is ready to serve, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken thigh. The internal temperature should be at least 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature of the breast should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before consumption. Allow the chicken to rest for 10 to 20 minutes before serving.
