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A whole roasted chicken, golden brown with crispy skin, presented on a platter.

Proven way to grow the perfect Roasted Chicken

This recipe guides you through the process of roasting a whole chicken to perfection, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin every time. It's a reliable method for a delicious and impressive meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 (3-4 lbs) whole chicken
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 onion quartered
  • 1 lemon halved
  • 3 fresh rosemary sprigs
Optional Additions
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 3 potatoes quartered

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • meat thermometer
  • small bowl
  • cutting board

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create your seasoning blend.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the entire bird, inside and out.
  4. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion, halved lemon, and fresh rosemary sprigs for added flavor.
Roasting
  1. Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast-side up; if using, arrange chopped carrots and potatoes around the chicken.
  2. Roast for 60-90 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C).
  3. Baste the chicken every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist and promote even browning.
Resting and Serving
  1. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board, covering it loosely with foil.
  2. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
  3. Carve the chicken and serve immediately with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, try finishing the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Adjust seasoning to your preference; consider adding thyme or oregano for different flavor profiles.