Description
This juicy and crispy roast full chicken in oven delivers golden, flavorful skin and tender, succulent meat with minimal effort. Perfect for Sunday dinners, holidays, or meal prep, this easy recipe uses pantry staples for a restaurant-quality roast chicken at home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Optional: 1 lemon, halved
- Optional: 1 small onion, quartered
- Optional: 3 garlic cloves
- Optional: fresh rosemary or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 425°F (220°C) for crispy skin and juicy meat.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove giblets and pat dry with paper towels.
- Season generously: Mix salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. Rub chicken with oil or butter, then coat with seasoning inside and out.
- Stuff the cavity (optional): Add lemon halves, onion, and garlic for extra flavor.
- Tie the legs (optional): Use kitchen twine for even roasting.
- Roast the chicken: Place breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet. Roast 1 hr 15 min or until thigh temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Tent loosely with foil and rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Carve and serve: Slice and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Dry the skin thoroughly before seasoning for maximum crispness.
- Be generous with salt to enhance flavor.
- Oil or butter helps the seasoning stick and promotes browning.
- Rubbing under the skin seasons the meat directly.
- Cooking times vary by size — always use a meat thermometer.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg