Roast Chicken: This classic chicken is simple yet bursting with flavor. With a few pantry staples like olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Whole Chicken (3–5 lbs)
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter – for golden, crispy skin
- Lemon – fresh lemon brightens the flavor
- Garlic – whole cloves for aromatics
- Fresh Herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) – for classic roast chicken flavor
- Salt and Black Pepper – seasoning essentials
- Optional: Root vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions) to roast alongside the chicken
Tips and Tricks for the Best Roast Chicken
- Dry the Skin: Always pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
- Trussing the Chicken: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking.
- Butter Under the Skin: For extra flavor, rub softened butter under the skin before roasting.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature at the thickest parts of the meat.
- Baste Regularly: Spoon pan juices over the chicken during cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Flavor Variations
- Herb and Garlic Butter Roast Chicken: Use a mix of parsley, rosemary, and thyme with garlic butter under the skin.
- Spicy Roast Chicken: Add smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne pepper for a kick.
- Lemon-Honey Glaze: Brush a mixture of honey and lemon juice over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a sticky-sweet finish.
- Mediterranean Style: Use oregano, garlic, olives, and a drizzle of olive oil for Mediterranean vibes.
How long to Roast a Chicken
Actually, it depends on the size of your chicken, but in this recipe, I am using 4-pound chicken and it took around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes then a resting time of 10 minutes to keep all of those juices in before slicing. The best method to measure the cooking time is to use a meat thermometer or until juices run clear.
How to Serve Roast Chicken
Leftover Chicken Ideas: Use leftovers for chicken sandwiches, salads, wraps, or homemade chicken broth.
Classic Style: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and parsnips.
Side Dishes: Serve with buttery mashed potatoes, sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad.
Gravy: Don’t forget to make a quick pan gravy using the drippings for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Roast Chicken
- Storage: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Shred the chicken and store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to retain its juiciness. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat.
Recipe FAQs
Q: How do I keep my roast chicken from drying out?
A: Basting the chicken with its juices and using a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking are key. Let the chicken rest before carving so the juices redistribute.
Q: What size chicken should I buy for a family of four?
A: A 3–4 lb chicken is usually perfect for four people, with leftovers for sandwiches or soup.
Q: Should I cover the chicken while roasting?
A: Roast the chicken uncovered to ensure crispy skin. If it browns too quickly, tent it with foil for the last 15 minutes.
Q: Can I stuff my roast chicken?
A: While you can, it increases cooking time and the risk of undercooked chicken. I recommend stuffing with aromatics like lemon and herbs instead.
Resting time
Remove the chicken from the oven when properly cooked, and leave it to rest for 15 – 20 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle. Once the chicken has rested, it is ready to slice and serve.
Roast Chicken Recipe
Roast Chicken: This classic chicken is simple yet bursting with flavor. With a few pantry staples like olive oil, butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs), giblets removed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the lower third. Bring the chicken to room temperature and pat it dry with paper towels (this ensures crispy skin!).
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breast side up in an oven-safe pan (I love using a cast-iron skillet).
- Truss the legs with kitchen twine. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, rubbing it all over with your hands.
- Add Seasoning: Generously sprinkle with kosher salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to pat the seasoning in for extra flavor.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast the chicken for 70–90 minutes or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes before carving. This locks in all the juices!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 58Total Fat 3gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 107mgSodium 66mgCarbohydrates 0gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 7g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
This roast chicken recipe is timeless, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress every time. Whether you’re serving it as the star of your holiday table or a comforting family dinner, the juicy meat and crispy skin will keep everyone coming back for seconds. By following these tips, flavor variations, and serving ideas, you’ll become a pro at roasting chicken like a seasoned chef.
