Description
Weeknight roasted chicken became my go-to comfort meal that always brings smiles around the dinner table. Crispy golden skin and tender meat make this simple recipe a total winner for family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Aromatics and Supporting Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 4–5 garlic cloves (smashed)
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme, optional)
Instructions
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature for even roasting.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) while preparing the chicken.
- Carefully extract any giblets from inside the chicken, then thoroughly dry the entire surface with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter over the entire chicken, massaging it into every surface.
- Combine 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried thyme in a small bowl.
- Generously sprinkle the spice mixture all over the chicken, including inside the cavity.
- Stuff the chicken’s cavity with halved lemon, 4-5 smashed garlic cloves, and optional fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Secure the chicken’s legs together with kitchen twine, ensuring even cooking and keeping the stuffing in place.
- Tuck the wing tips underneath the body to prevent burning during roasting.
- Position the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack or a bed of vegetables in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on its size.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer – it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to redistribute the juices.
Notes
- Choose a high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Let the chicken sit at room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Pat the skin super dry with paper towels to guarantee that perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior.
- Rest the chicken after roasting to lock in all those delicious juices and keep the meat incredibly tender.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Roasted
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 1500 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg