Are you ready to transform your ordinary Friday night into a culinary adventure? Imagine walking into your kitchen and creating a restaurant-quality roasted chicken that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This isn't just another chicken recipe - this is a flavor-packed, incredibly simple meal that promises to become your new weekend go-to dish. With minimal prep time and maximum deliciousness, this roasted chicken will elevate your home cooking game and make you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot enough for roasting the chicken.
- Rinse the whole chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with salt and pepper to taste. This will be your seasoning for the chicken.
- Rub the olive oil mixture all over the chicken, making sure to cover the entire surface and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.
- Take the lemon halves and place them inside the cavity of the chicken. The lemon will infuse moisture and flavor into the meat as it cooks.
- Insert the 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary into the cavity as well, alongside the lemon. This will add an aromatic flavor to the chicken.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. You can use a rack if you have one, but it's not necessary.
- Season the outside of the chicken with additional salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, you can baste the chicken with its own juices to keep it moist and enhance the browning of the skin.
- Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious Friday night homecooked meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning - this is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Don't be afraid of seasoning! Be generous with salt and pepper both inside and outside the chicken to maximize flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking - this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try experimenting with different herbs like thyme or sage alongside the rosemary.
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Save the pan drippings - they make an incredible base for gravy or can be drizzled over your side dishes for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
