Description
This oven-roasted chicken is juicy, tender, and flavorful with crispy golden skin. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe that requires minimal ingredients and delivers outstanding results every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs), giblets removed
2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika (optional)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Aromatics (for cavity):
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered
1 stalk celery, cut into chunks
2 garlic cloves
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Prepare the chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken thoroughly with paper towels.
Season: Rub the entire chicken with olive oil or butter. Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and optional paprika evenly on all sides.
Stuff cavity (optional): Insert lemon, onion, celery, and garlic into the cavity.
Truss legs: Tie legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking (optional).
Roast: Place chicken breast in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Roast for 80–90 minutes (about 20 minutes per pound), or until internal temperature reaches 165°F in the breast and 180°F in the thigh.
Rest: Let chicken rest 15 minutes, tented with foil, before carving.
Serve: Carve and serve with your favorite sides or make gravy with pan drippings.
Notes
For crispier skin, pat the chicken dry and roast uncovered.
Baste every 30 minutes for extra flavor and moisture.
Use leftovers in salads, soups, sandwiches, or casseroles.
Try a spice rub or herb butter under the skin to add variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: oven roasted chicken, whole chicken recipe, crispy chicken skin, juicy roast chicken, easy roast chicken, baked whole chicken, roast dinner