Print

Roast Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 118 reviews

A classic roast chicken recipe featuring a whole seasoned bird roasted to perfection with crispy skin and juicy meat. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 (3 1/2- to 4-lb.) whole chicken

Seasoning

  • 1 tbsp. kosher salt
  • 2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Remove chicken giblets. If desired, cut out and discard the wishbone. Thoroughly pat the chicken dry using paper towels to ensure crisp skin. Generously season the chicken with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside surface. For best flavor and texture, refrigerate the chicken uncovered for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
  2. Preheat oven and prepare chicken for roasting: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). If desired, tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help the chicken cook evenly, and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning during roasting.
  3. Roast the chicken: Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan or large oven-safe skillet. Roast in the preheated oven until the juices run clear when pierced and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C), approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour.
  4. Baste and rest: Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. Once cooked, tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  5. Carve and serve: Transfer the rested chicken to a cutting board. Carve into portions and serve warm.

Notes

  • Refrigerating the chicken uncovered before roasting helps dry out the skin for a crispier finish.
  • Tying the legs and tucking wing tips ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
  • Using an instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure doneness without overcooking.
  • Resting the chicken after roasting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Keywords: roast chicken, whole chicken, oven roasted chicken, crispy skin chicken, classic roast chicken