Description
This Whole Roasted Chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor, featuring crispy, golden-brown skin and a delicious herb butter rub. It’s a simple yet impressive meal, perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or holiday gathering. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete feast!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.2 kg)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for color & depth of flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary, oregano, or Italian seasoning)
For the Inside of the Chicken:
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small onion, quartered
- A few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme
For Extra Crispy Skin (Optional):
- 1 tsp baking powder (mixed into the dry seasonings – helps crisp the skin!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the giblets from inside the chicken and pat the skin completely dry with paper towels (this helps the skin crisp up).
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly, including under the skin for maximum flavor.
- Stuff the lemon halves, garlic cloves, onion, and fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity.
- (Optional) Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
- Place the chicken in the oven and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to help crisp the skin.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for 45-60 minutes (about 15 minutes per pound), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- (Optional) Baste the chicken with the juices from the pan every 20 minutes for extra moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving (this helps retain the juices).
- Carve and serve with your favorite sides!
Serving Suggestions
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve with carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts roasted in the same pan.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Classic comfort food pairing!
- With Rice or Quinoa: A light and healthy option.
- With Garlic Butter Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious juices.
Notes
- Extra Crispy Skin? Start roasting at 425°F for 20 minutes, then lower the temp.
- No Roasting Rack? Place the chicken on a bed of sliced onions, carrots, and potatoes instead.
- More Flavor? Add ½ cup white wine or chicken broth to the pan while roasting.
- Leftovers? Shred the chicken for sandwiches, salads, or soups!