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The Best Easy Whole Roast Chicken Recipe for Juicy Meat & Crispy Skin

A beautifully roasted whole chicken with golden-brown, herb-crusted skin resting on a white plate.
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You will master the simple, foolproof method for roasting a whole chicken in the oven that guarantees unbelievably juicy meat and shatteringly crispy skin every time. This recipe is perfect for your next family dinner or Sunday roast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the giblets from the whole chicken cavity and pat the entire chicken dry, inside and out, using paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme to create a compound butter mixture.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and rub about half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Place the lemon halves, rosemary sprigs, and smashed garlic cloves inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or a cast-iron skillet.
  6. Roast the whole chicken at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes to start crisping the skin.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting for approximately 60 to 75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This resting time keeps the meat juicy.
  9. Carve the oven baked chicken and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can place the chicken on a wire rack set inside the roasting pan.
  • If you prefer a rotisserie style chicken, consider spatchcocking the whole chicken before seasoning.
  • Save the pan drippings to make a simple gravy for your whole chicken dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/easy-whole-chicken-recipe-juicy-crispy-skin/