Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a mouth-watering culinary experience that will have your family begging for seconds? This Easy Roast Chicken Dinner is not just a meal—it's a flavor-packed journey that combines simplicity with gourmet taste. Whether you're a kitchen novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe guarantees a golden, crispy-skinned chicken that's incredibly tender and bursting with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon notes. Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your home cooking game with this irresistible roast chicken recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)
Instructions
- Remove the whole chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven to ensure proper heat circulation.
- Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Moisture on the skin prevents crispy browning, so thorough drying is crucial.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoning blend.
- Gently loosen the chicken's skin and rub half of the seasoning mixture directly under the skin, ensuring even coverage.
- Rub the remaining seasoning mixture over the entire exterior of the chicken, including legs and wings.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs, which will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet, ensuring it's not overcrowded.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Every 30 minutes, baste the chicken with its own juices to maintain moisture and enhance browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot with your preferred side dishes like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Skin = Crispy Skin: Pat the chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior.
- Seasoning Technique: Don't just season the outside! Gently loosen the skin and rub seasonings directly underneath for maximum flavor penetration.
- Basting is Beautiful: Baste your chicken every 30 minutes to keep the meat moist and enhance browning.
- Rest and Relax: Allow your chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute juices, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
