Here’s a complete guide for a classic roast chicken—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and full of flavor:
Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)
- 1 whole chicken (3–5 lbs / 1.5–2.5 kg)
- 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1–2 teaspoons dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or sage)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 onion, quartered
- Optional: vegetables for roasting (carrots, potatoes, celery)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
- Remove giblets from the cavity if present.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps the skin crisp.
- Rub olive oil or butter all over the chicken.
- Season generously inside and out with salt, pepper, paprika, and herbs.
2. Stuff the cavity
- Place lemon halves, crushed garlic, and onion quarters inside the chicken cavity.
- Optional: add a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
3. Truss the chicken (optional)
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking.
- Tuck the wing tips under the body.
4. Roast the chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack or in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 20 minutes at 425°F to start browning.
- Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting about 20 minutes per pound (450 g) of chicken.
- Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra flavor.
5. Check doneness
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Juices should run clear, not pink.
6. Rest the chicken
- Remove from the oven and tent with foil.
- Let it rest 10–15 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
7. Serve
- Carve and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.
- Optional: use pan drippings to make a simple gravy.
💡 Tips for extra crispy skin
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning.
- Rub a little salt under the skin over the breast.
- Roast at high heat initially to help the skin brown.
If you want, I can also give a fast “one-pan roast chicken with vegetables” method that cooks everything together in under an hour for minimal cleanup.
Do you want that version?
