Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken into a culinary masterpiece that will have your family and friends begging for seconds? This Perfect Herb Roasted Chicken isn't just another recipe—it's a foolproof method to create a golden, crispy-skinned, incredibly moist chicken that's bursting with aromatic herb flavors. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality dish that will elevate your home cooking game and impress even the most discerning palates.
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 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, crushed
Instructions
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Position the oven rack in the lower-middle section for optimal heat circulation.
- Pat the chicken completely dry using paper towels. Moisture on the skin prevents proper browning, so thorough drying is crucial.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, chopped rosemary, and thyme to create a herb-infused seasoning blend.
- Gently separate the chicken skin from the meat using your fingers, being careful not to tear the skin. Rub half of the herb mixture directly onto the meat under the skin.
- Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the exterior of the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with crushed garlic cloves and lemon quarters. This will infuse the meat with aromatic flavors during roasting.
- Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly and maintain a compact shape.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Use a rack if available to allow air circulation.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15-30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the chicken's weight.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Dry Skin is Key: Pat the chicken completely dry to achieve that irresistibly crispy, golden-brown skin.
- Herb Infusion Technique: Gently separate the skin from the meat and rub herbs directly underneath for maximum flavor penetration.
- Invest in a Meat Thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, which guarantees a moist and tender result.
- Optional Flavor Boosters: Consider adding aromatics like rosemary sprigs, whole garlic cloves, or lemon wedges in the roasting pan for extra depth of flavor.
- Choose the Right Pan: A cast-iron skillet or roasting pan with a rack helps promote even air circulation and prevents the chicken from sitting in its own juices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 860kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: g
Fat: 47g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 200mg
