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Roasted Whole Chicken

Irresistibly Juicy Roasted Whole Chicken That Wows Every Time

This roasted whole chicken recipe guarantees crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for family meals and versatile leftovers.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole whole chicken (4-5 pounds) giblets removed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For the Aromatics
  • 1 medium onion any variety
  • 2 medium carrots or parsnips/sweet potatoes
  • 2 stalks celery or fennel
  • 4 cloves garlic fresh minced
For the Herbs
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
For Brightness and Moisture
  • 1 whole lemon or lime
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
For Seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika smoked or regular
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Broth
  • 1 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth

Equipment

  • roasting pan
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Start by patting the whole chicken dry with paper towels, ensuring crispy skin. Season the inside cavity with lemon wedges, fresh rosemary, and thyme.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter with paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well blended.
  3. Gently loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers underneath it without tearing. Spread half of the herb butter beneath the skin and rub the remaining butter on the outside.
  4. Season the exterior of the chicken with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  5. Arrange roughly chopped onions, carrots, and celery in a roasting pan. Toss in minced garlic and remaining herbs.
  6. Drizzle the prepared vegetables with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the roasting pan.
  7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place the chicken on top of the vegetable bed in the roasting pan.
  8. After 30 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for 1-1.5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  9. Baste the chicken every 30 minutes with the pan juices to keep it moist.
  10. Let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 42gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 550mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure to dry the chicken thoroughly before roasting to achieve crispy skin. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.

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