Let’s talk about roasted chicken. It’s such a classic and so easy to make. Well, it’s easy once you get a foolproof recipe. Before that, you may have chewed through dry breasts, or worse, a raw thigh or even if you got the temperature right, a tasteless chicken. It took me a while to nail down a perfect recipe, almost a year in fact.
A couple of years ago after reliably inconsistent roasting results, I was inspired to perfect the process. I decided to buy a new roasting pan and stock up a freezer full of whole, organic chickens during a big sale at Whole Foods. I roasted a whole chicken once a month until I got it perfect and was through the entire stockpile (10 chickens).
Roasted chicken is easy, healthy, great for entertaining and really versatile. It can feed a bigger group or family and has even been known to assist in marriage proposals. There is even a dish called “Engagement Chicken” which as you can guess, is the recommended dish to make for your boyfriend if you want him to propose marriage.
I must confess, I never made my husband a roasted chicken when he was my boyfriend or even my fiancé. But now if I want to guarantee an instant good mood, all I have to do is tell him we are having roasted chicken, baked potatoes and some type of vegetable. Easily one of his favorite meals.
NOTES:
- If you are making baked potatoes; scrub them, poke with a fork and put them in the oven for the last 60 minutes of cook time.
- I suggest lining your roasting pan with tin foil for an easier cleanup.
- I use these silicone stretch cooking bands. They are quicker to use and easier than trussing, plus you can reuse them which is awesome. I also tuck the wings under the bands on top of the breast because I like to keep the breast protected a bit from the heat. Maybe it’s laziness. Either way, it works!
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Foolproof Roast Chicken Recipe
- 3.5 to 5 pound organic whole chicken
- 1 lemon cut in half
- 8 to 10 cloves garlic
- 2 to 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 6 to 8 sprigs fresh parsley
- kosher salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- roasting pan lined with tin foil
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Preheat oven to 425F and place oven rack in middle position. Remove insides of chicken if present. I don't bother rinsing the chicken as I find it just spreads germs and bacteria in my sink and isn't really necessary.
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Generously sprinkle cavity of chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cut lemon in half and stuff half of lemon into cavity.
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Follow with garlic, herbs and remaining half of lemon.
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Generously salt and pepper both sides. Truss chicken (see notes above).
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Place breast side down and place into oven for 30 minutes.
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At 30 minutes, remove roasting pan and carefully (will be hot!) flip chicken over so the breast side is up.
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Place back into oven for an additional 60 minutes.
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Remove, let cool for 5 or 10 minutes, carve, serve and Enjoy!
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This is the best roast chicken I’ve made so far, thanks for the recipe!
Thank you!!! So happy to hear it 🙂
This is the best, easiest roast chicken ever! It is delicious and the herbs give such a subtle fresh taste. I have been searching for ways to prepare chicken without the calories of sauces and extra ingredient to give the meat flavor. This recipe is my answer!
You made my day Rita! This is exactly why I tested and tested and tested roast chicken recipes. Thank you for the feedback!