Basic Whole Roasted Chicken
A timeless classic that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone has their go-to roasted chicken recipe, but this one is a classic for a reason. It’s simple, versatile, and always delivers a juicy, crispy bird.
Key to a Perfect Roasted Chicken:
- Flavorful Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors.
- Crispy Skin: A combination of high heat and oil ensures a golden, crispy exterior.
- Juicy Meat: Proper roasting time and temperature guarantee moist, tender meat.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Planning
This Basic Whole Roasted Chicken recipe is a versatile and convenient option for meal planning. Here’s why:
- Leftover Magic: A roasted chicken can provide delicious meals for multiple days. Shred the leftover meat and use it in salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, or wraps for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
- Sunday Supper Staple: This recipe is ideal for a classic Sunday dinner, serving as a hearty and comforting main course.
- Beginner-Friendly: Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. The basic steps and simple ingredients make it a great starting point.
By preparing a whole roasted chicken, you’ll have a flavorful and nutritious base for a variety of meals throughout the week.
The Ingredients for the recipe
Main Ingredient:
- Whole Chicken: A complete, uncooked chicken, typically weighing between 4 and 5 pounds. It can be either a broiler or roaster chicken.
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- Flavored Infused Lemon Olive Oil: Olive oil infused with the zesty flavor of lemon. This adds a bright citrus note to the chicken.
- Scallions: These are young green onions with a milder flavor than mature onions. They can be chopped or used whole.
- Fresh Parsley: A versatile herb with a slightly peppery and earthy taste. It adds a fresh, green flavor to the chicken.
- Fresh Rosemary: A woody herb with a strong, pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter taste. It complements the savory flavors of the chicken.
- Fresh Thyme: A small, leafy herb with a subtle, minty flavor. It adds a delicate sweetness to the chicken.
- Garlic Cloves: These are the bulbs of the garlic plant. They have a strong, pungent flavor that adds depth and richness to the chicken.
- Kosher Salt: A coarse-grained salt that is typically used for seasoning meat and vegetables. It helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A spice made from the dried berries of the black pepper plant. It adds a sharp, pungent flavor to the chicken.
- Lime/Lemon: Citrus fruits provide a bright, acidic flavor and can help to cut through the richness of the chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Roasted Chicken
Baking Dish:
- Cast-iron skillet: A classic choice for roasting chicken. It provides even heat distribution and helps to crisp up the skin.
- Other options: If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, you can use a roasting pan, Dutch oven, or even a baking sheet.
Seasonings:
- Experiment: Don’t be afraid to mix and match seasonings. Try combinations like paprika and garlic powder, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, or a blend of herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage.
- Citrus: A squeeze of lemon or lime juice can add brightness and acidity to the chicken.
For added moisture:
- Stuff the cavity with vegetables like carrots, celery, or onion to add flavor and moisture to the chicken.
- Pour a small amount of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the roasting pan to create a moist environment.
To Brine or Not to Brine:
- Brining: Brining the chicken before roasting can help it retain moisture and become more tender. To brine, submerge the chicken in a salt water solution for a few hours or overnight.
- No brining: If you don’t have time to brine, the chicken will still be delicious. Just make sure to season it well and cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Crispy skin:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before roasting to help the skin crisp up.
- High heat is essential for crispy skin. Start roasting at a higher temperature (425°F) and then reduce it for the remainder of the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings for Roasted Chicken
A roasted chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some classic and creative options:
Classic Pairings:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a timeless companion to roasted chicken. Add a touch of butter and herbs for extra flavor.
- Roasted vegetables: Roast vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus alongside the chicken for a colorful and nutritious side dish.
- Rice pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf, such as one with herbs or spices, complements the savory chicken.
- Gravy: A rich and flavorful gravy is a classic addition to roasted chicken, especially when served over mashed potatoes.
Creative Pairings:
- Salad: A fresh salad with a light dressing can balance the richness of the roasted chicken. Try a Caesar salad, Greek salad, or a simple salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.
- Pasta: A creamy pasta dish, like macaroni and cheese or fettuccine Alfredo, is a comforting and satisfying side for roasted chicken.
- Fruit: Sweet fruits like apples, pears, or plums can complement the savory flavors of the chicken. Try roasting the fruit with a touch of honey or balsamic vinegar.
- Quinoa or couscous: These healthy grains can be served with roasted chicken and a variety of vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Remember: The best pairings for roasted chicken depend on your personal preferences and the flavors you enjoy. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorites.
This basic roasted chicken recipe is a versatile foundation for countless flavor variations. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your homemade roasted chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or your favorite sides. Happy cooking!
Basic Whole Roasted Chicken
Basic Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe with a twist – flavored lemon olive oil and fresh herbs.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 4 to 5 pounds whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon flavored lemon olive oil
- 2 stalks scallions chopped or 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 – 3 sprigs fresh parsley
- 1- 2 sprig fresh rosemary
- 1 – 2 sprig thyme
- 6 garlic cloves
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lime/lemon quartered
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare skillet: Get a 10-12 inch cast-iron skillet ready.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the neck and giblets from the chicken's cavity. Rinse the chicken with cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. You can optionally add vinegar or lemon/lime juice to the rinse water.
- Remove excess fat: Trim away any extra fat hanging around the chicken's body cavity.
Seasoning and Roasting:
- Season: Place the chicken on a flat surface. Drizzle it with flavored lemon olive oil and rub the oil all over the skin. Season generously both inside and out with salt and pepper.
- Stuff cavity: Place the chopped scallions, garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, parsley sprigs, thyme sprigs, and a quartered lime or lemon inside the chicken's cavity.
- Roast: Carefully place the chicken breast side up in the cast-iron skillet. Roast the chicken in the middle rack of the oven for 15 minutes.
- Reduce temperature: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting until the chicken's juices run clear. Insert a meat thermometer into the inner thigh (without touching the bone) and cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C). This should take approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
- Crisp skin: Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully turn the chicken over. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and roast for an additional 10 minutes to crisp up the skin.
Rest and Serve:
- Rest: Remove the chicken from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful chicken.
Notes
Recipe updated from Chow.com
Nutrition
Serving: 6gramsCalories: 304kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 91mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1g
Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on the products used.
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Nutrition info is automatically generated and provided as a courtesy and as an estimate only.
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Corn Allergy:
Always choose ingredients without corn or corn derivatives.
Originally published on September 19, 2014. Revised and updated.
