Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Roasted Chicken that results in a juicy, flavorful bird with crispy skin. This classic dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
Simple Roasted Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary, if available)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4-5 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for stuffing (optional)
- Vegetables for roasting (optional, such as carrots, potatoes, and onions)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy skin.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe skillet.
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Season the Chicken:
- Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
- In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
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Stuff the Chicken:
- Squeeze the juice of one lemon half inside the cavity of the chicken, then place the lemon halves and smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity. If using fresh herbs, you can add them as well.
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Optional Vegetables:
- If you’re roasting vegetables, chop them into large pieces and place them around the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can tent the chicken with aluminum foil.
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Rest the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken.
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Serve:
- Carve the chicken and serve it with the roasted vegetables and any pan juices. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Marinating: For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mixture for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
- Gravy: You can make a simple gravy using the pan drippings by adding flour and chicken broth to the drippings in the roasting pan and whisking until smooth.
Enjoy your Roasted Chicken! It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table!