Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This oven-roasted chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that delivers a crispy, golden skin with tender, juicy meat. Infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon, it’s a perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or just craving a hearty roast, this recipe ensures delicious results every time. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the chicken to shine, and the roasting method locks in all the flavors while keeping the meat moist and succulent.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). - Prepare the Chicken:
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps to ensure crispy skin when roasting. - Season the Chicken:
Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, making sure it is well-coated. Generously season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the crushed garlic cloves, lemon zest, and the fresh rosemary and thyme on the chicken, rubbing them into the skin. - Tie the Legs:
Tie the chicken’s legs together with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and help the chicken maintain its shape while roasting. - Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (75°C). - Rest Before Carving:
Once the chicken is roasted to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful meat when carving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Rest Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Herb Variations: You can swap the rosemary and thyme for other herbs such as sage, oregano, or basil, depending on your taste preferences.
- Lemon and Garlic Infusion: For a deeper garlic and lemon flavor, you can stuff the chicken cavity with a whole lemon (cut in half) and a few extra garlic cloves.
- Crispier Skin: For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) during the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Leftover roasted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh, ensuring it reaches 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, the juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken.
Can I use a different type of oil for roasting?
Yes, you can use other oils such as vegetable oil or avocado oil if you prefer. Olive oil gives a nice flavor, but any high-heat oil will work well.
Can I roast vegetables with the chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or onions to the roasting pan alongside the chicken. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces and toss them with some olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the pan.
Can I make this recipe with chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. The cooking time will be shorter, so be sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What can I do with the chicken leftovers?
Leftover roasted chicken can be used in soups, salads, sandwiches, or wraps. It’s also great for making chicken stock or adding to casseroles.
Should I cover the chicken with foil while roasting?
No, you do not need to cover the chicken with foil while roasting. Leaving it uncovered helps the skin become crispy and golden brown. However, if the skin is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the chicken with foil to prevent over-browning.
Can I cook the chicken at a lower temperature?
Yes, you can cook the chicken at a lower temperature (around 375°F or 190°C), but it will take longer to roast—typically about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. A lower temperature helps make the chicken more tender but may result in slightly less crispy skin.
How do I carve the chicken?
To carve the chicken, start by removing the legs and thighs, then slice the breast meat. Cut between the joints to separate the parts. Make sure to carve against the grain to ensure tenderness.
How do I get the chicken skin extra crispy?
To get extra crispy skin, make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and roasting. You can also rub the skin with a bit of butter or oil for added crispness.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
If you enjoy spice, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix or stuff the chicken with a chopped jalapeno or Scotch Bonnet pepper for a heat boost.
Conclusion
Oven-roasted chicken is a timeless dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor. This recipe brings together aromatic herbs, garlic, and lemon to create a deliciously tender chicken with crispy, golden skin. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or preparing a comforting family meal, this oven-roasted chicken is a guaranteed hit that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Oven-Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This oven-roasted chicken recipe delivers a crispy golden skin and juicy, tender meat. Infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and lemon, it’s a flavorful and simple dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special event, this roasted chicken will become a favorite with its irresistible aroma and perfect texture.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
2 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, crushed
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Zest of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle crushed garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme on the chicken, rubbing them into the skin.
Tie the legs with kitchen twine for even cooking.
Roast the chicken for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving to redistribute the juices.
Notes
For a crispier skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and extra garlic for more intense flavor.
Use your preferred herbs like sage or basil for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
