This roast chicken is super easy and turns out perfectly golden and juicy every time! Just a few herbs and some garlic give it amazing flavor.
Honestly, nothing beats the smell of a chicken roasting in the oven. I love serving it with veggies or some crispy potatoes. It’s comfort food at its finest! 🍗
Making this recipe is a breeze! Just season, pop it in the oven, and let it do its thing. It always makes for a special meal that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Chicken: A 4-5 pound chicken is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute with bone-in parts like thighs or breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but feel free to use another oil, like avocado or canola oil, if that’s what you have on hand.
Herbs: Dried rosemary and thyme bring lovely flavors, but if you don’t have these, Italian seasoning can work well too. Fresh herbs can also be used for a vibrant flavor; just double the amount used.
Lemon: Fresh lemon brightens the flavor. If you don’t have a lemon, white wine or apple cider vinegar can also add acidity and enhance the dish.
How Do You Ensure Crispy Skin on Your Roast Chicken?
Getting that crispy, golden skin is one of the best parts of roast chicken! Here are some tips to make this happen:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture on the skin can prevent crispiness.
- Apply the olive oil mixture generously, ensuring even coverage.
- Roasting at a high temperature (425°F/220°C) helps to render fat from the chicken skin, resulting in a nice crunch.
- Basting halfway through cooking keeps the meat juicy and adds more flavor to the skin.
How to Make the Best Roast Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for stuffing
For Roasting:
- Vegetables for roasting (such as carrots and potatoes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious roast chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 1 hour and 15 minutes to roast in the oven. Be sure to let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes after roasting so it stays juicy. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 50 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help the chicken get a nice, crispy skin while keeping the inside tender and juicy!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take the whole chicken out of its packaging. Use paper towels to pat it dry on the outside and inside. This helps achieve that golden-brown color. Place the chicken in a nice roasting pan, ready for seasoning!
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried rosemary, and dried thyme. This is your flavorful rub! Use your hands to spread this mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover every inch, even inside the cavity for extra flavor.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Grab the halved lemon, crushed garlic cloves, and some fresh herbs. Stuff these goodies inside the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse amazing flavors as it cooks!
5. Arrange the Vegetables:
If you’re using vegetables, chop up your carrots and potatoes and arrange them around the chicken in the pan. They will soak up all those delicious juices as they roast.
6. Roast the Chicken:
Now, it’s time to roast! Place the pan in your preheated oven and let it cook for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. To check if it’s done, use a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. Don’t forget to baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist!
7. Rest the Chicken:
Once your chicken is golden and cooked through, carefully take it out of the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board for 15-20 minutes. This waiting time is important because it allows the juices to settle back into the meat, making it juicy when you carve it!
8. Serve:
Finally, it’s time to carve your beautifully roasted chicken! Serve it with the roasted vegetables and any additional sides you like. Enjoy your meal and the compliments that follow!
Enjoy your perfectly roasted chicken!
Can I Use Different Herbs for Seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the herb mix according to your taste. You can use fresh herbs instead of dried or substitute with herbs like sage, oregano, or basil. Just remember that fresh herbs are more potent, so you may need to adjust the amount used. Generally, use three times more fresh herbs than dried.
What If I Don’t Have a Roasting Pan?
No worries! If you don’t have a roasting pan, you can use a large oven-safe skillet, a baking dish, or even a cast-iron skillet. Just ensure the chicken fits snugly and that you can catch any juices that come out while it roasts. If using a baking dish, you might want to elevate the chicken on a rack for better air circulation.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Once the chicken has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken for up to 4 months. Just make sure to portion it out for easy reheating later!
Can I Roast the Chicken at a Lower Temperature?
Yes, you can roast the chicken at a lower temperature, around 350°F (175°C), but keep in mind that it will take longer to cook—about 1.5 to 2 hours. Just be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
