Roasted Chicken Recipe (with Video)

Roasted Chicken Recipe: Who doesn’t love a perfectly roasted chicken with golden skin and tender, juicy meat? A classic comfort food, roasted chicken is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. The beauty of roasting chicken at home lies in the ability to customize flavors, control ingredients, and save money compared to restaurant options.

Plus, it’s healthier! Store-bought roasted chicken often contains preservatives and excess sodium. With this homemade roasted chicken recipe, you can achieve restaurant-quality results while ensuring the dish is as nutritious and flavorful as possible.

Ingredients for Perfect Roasted Chicken

To prepare an unforgettable roasted chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• 1 lemon (halved)

Optional Add-Ons:

• 1 onion, quartered
• Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano
• Vegetables for roasting (potatoes, carrots, celery)

These ingredients will create a balance of savory, citrusy, and herbaceous flavors, ensuring every bite of your roasted chicken is unforgettable.

Preparing the Chicken

Proper preparation is key to making the best-roasted chicken. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Clean the Chicken: Remove the chicken from its packaging. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water, both inside and out, to remove any residue.
2. Trim Excess Fat: Using kitchen shears or a sharp knife, cut away any extra fat or skin around the cavity.
3. Pat Dry: Using paper towels, dry the chicken completely. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.

Creating a Flavorful Marinade

The marinade is the heart of this recipe. A good marinade not only enhances the flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during roasting.

Ingredients for Marinade:

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon each of thyme, rosemary, and paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps to Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a small bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients.
2. Mix well to create a thick, aromatic paste.
3. Rub the marinade generously all over the chicken, including under the skin for maximum flavor infusion.

Let the chicken marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight in the refrigerator is ideal for deeper flavor.

Stuffing the Chicken (Optional)

While optional, stuffing the chicken enhances its flavor and creates a more aromatic dish.

Popular Stuffing Ingredients:

• Lemon halves
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme
• Onion slices

How to Stuff the Chicken:

1. Gently insert the stuffing ingredients into the cavity.
2. Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing in place during roasting.

Choosing the Right Cooking Equipment

Your equipment matters when roasting chicken. A quality roasting pan ensures even cooking, and a meat thermometer helps you avoid overcooking.

Recommended Tools:

• A roasting pan or oven-safe skillet
• Aluminum foil (for tenting, if needed)
• Meat thermometer (to check internal temperature)

Using these tools makes the process smooth and guarantees a perfect roast every time.

Seasoning the Chicken

Seasoning is where your creativity can shine. A perfectly seasoned chicken is the difference between bland and bold flavors.

Steps to Season the Chicken:

1. Apply a Base Layer: Start by rubbing olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken. This helps the seasonings adhere better and adds richness to the skin.
2. Sprinkle the Spices: Use a mixture of salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. Be generous with the seasonings, ensuring they cover the entire surface of the chicken, including the underside.
3. Under the Skin: Gently lift the skin on the breast area and rub some seasoning or marinade directly onto the meat. This step ensures that the flavor penetrates deep.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle a few fresh herbs or slices of lemon over the top of the chicken before roasting.

Preheating the Oven

A properly preheated oven is essential for even cooking and crispy skin.

Ideal Roasting Temperature:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for a standard roast.
• If you prefer a faster cook time, you can go up to 425°F (220°C), but keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.

Preheating ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately, sealing in juices and preventing dryness.

Roasting the Chicken

This is the moment where all your preparation pays off.

Step-by-Step Roasting Process:

1. Place the seasoned chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet.
2. Add any vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, around the chicken if you want a complete meal.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes per pound of chicken. For a 5-pound chicken, this is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes.
4. Halfway through the cooking process, rotate the pan to ensure even cooking.

If the skin starts browning too quickly, loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the chicken to continue cooking.

Basting the Chicken for Extra Juiciness

Basting involves spooning the juices from the roasting pan over the chicken during cooking. This step adds moisture and enhances the flavor.

How to Baste:

1. After the first 30 minutes, open the oven and carefully spoon the juices from the pan over the chicken.
2. Repeat every 20-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Avoid basting too often, as opening the oven frequently can lower its temperature and increase cooking time.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer.

Internal Temperature Guidelines:

• The thickest part of the breast should read 165°F (74°C).
• The thigh should reach 175°F (80°C) for tender, juicy meat.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, pierce the thigh with a knife. The juices should run clear, not pink.

Resting the Chicken Before Serving

Once the chicken is cooked, resist the urge to carve it immediately.

Why Resting is Important: Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.

Resting Time:
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes on a cutting board, loosely covered with foil. This step also makes it easier to carve.

Carving the Roasted Chicken

Carving a chicken can seem intimidating, but it’s simple with the right technique.

Tools You’ll Need:

• A sharp carving knife
• A sturdy cutting board

Step-by-Step Carving:

1. Start by cutting the legs and thighs away from the body. Slice through the joint where the thigh meets the backbone.
2. Remove the wings in a similar fashion.
3. Slice along one side of the breastbone to remove the breast meat, then repeat on the other side.
4. Cut the breasts into slices and arrange all pieces on a platter for serving.

Serving Suggestions

A roasted chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you’re going for a cozy dinner or a festive feast, here are some ideas:

Side Dish Ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they’re a perfect companion.
• Roasted Vegetables: Use the drippings to roast carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
• Green Salad: Add a refreshing contrast with a simple salad topped with vinaigrette.
• Dinner Rolls: Warm, fluffy bread to soak up the juices.

For presentation, garnish the chicken platter with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or even edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look.

FAQs about Roasted Chicken Recipe

What is the best way to season roasted chicken?

The best way to season roasted chicken is to use a blend of herbs, spices, and aromatics like garlic, thyme, rosemary, and paprika. Don’t forget to season both the outside and inside of the chicken for maximum flavor.

How long should I roast a whole chicken?

Roast a whole chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

How do I make the skin crispy?

To achieve crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning, rub it with oil or butter, and roast it uncovered. High heat during the final 10-15 minutes can also help crisp the skin.

Can I roast chicken without a rack?

Yes, you can place the chicken directly in a roasting pan. To ensure even cooking, use chopped vegetables like carrots and onions to prop up the chicken.

What sides go best with roasted chicken?

Roasted chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a green salad, or bread rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.

Conclusion

This roasted chicken recipe is your ticket to a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The balance of crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful seasoning makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Plus, with the option to customize, you can make it truly your own. So, why not try it out this weekend? You’ll love the results—and so will your family and friends.