The Easiest Way to Cook a Whole Roasted Chicken

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Last Updated on August 17, 2023

Making a whole roasted chicken doesn’t have to be difficult. My roasted chicken recipe is easy to make and a fool-proof way to cook a tender, juicy, and moist chicken with a beautifully golden and crispy skin.

Roasted Chicken

Who doesn’t love a roasted chicken? I find that cooking a whole chicken in the oven is not only an easy way to make a tasty dinner, it’s also more affordable than cooking chicken breasts for the whole family.

Not only that, but it tastes amazing and is juicy, moist, and full of flavor. I look forward to roasting a whole chicken because I always make my easy chicken stock recipe with the bones after we eat all the meat!

Are you ready to roast a chicken to golden crispy perfection? This is the best roast chicken recipe, in my opinion!

How to Make the Best Roasted Chicken

The thought of making a juicy roasted chicken used to be daunting to me. Before I ever cooked a whole bird, I thought it would be difficult. I always purchased a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, never thinking it would be so easy to make my own prefect roast chicken.

My delicious roasted chicken recipe not only has great flavor, but it’s completely hands-off once it hits the oven. Whether you prefer the breast meat or dark meat, it’s perfect when you roast it per my instructions.

So, let’s make a perfect roasted chicken.

Roasted Chicken Ingredients

To season a whole chicken for roasting, you’ll need the following simple ingredients and measurements:

Ingredients for Roasted Chicken

• Salt – 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (omit for strict AIP)
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Turmeric – 1/4 teaspoon
• Dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
• Dried rosemary – 1 teaspoon
• Dried sage – 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons (or you can also use avocado oil)

How to Roast a Chicken Step-by-step

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 450°F
2. In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, turmeric, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Mix them together well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.
3. Next, prepare the chicken by cleaning out the chicken cavity. (There are many health benefits of chicken hearts, and you can make chicken liver pate, so don’t toss them if you’re up for learning how to cook them).
4. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (you do not need to rinse the chicken first). This will help the seasoning adhere better to the skin.
5. Drizzle the olive oil over the raw chicken, ensuring it is evenly coated. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help to keep the meat moist during cooking.
6. Once the chicken is all nice and oiled, generously sprinkle the seasoning blend over the entire surface of the bird. Be sure to season both the outside as well as the cavity to ensure maximum flavor.
7. Using your hands, gently rub the seasoning into the chicken, making sure it is evenly distributed. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and create a delicious crust on the skin.
8. Place the seasoned chicken on a roasting rack or in a large roasting pan, breast side up. This allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
9. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, lower the heat to 350°F and cook for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
10. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving on a cutting board. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.

How Long to Roast a Chicken

If you follow my recipe to make roasted chicken, you will be able to use any sized bird and it will come out perfectly cooked nearly every time!

The outside of the chicken will be crisp and golden and the meat will be tender and juicy.

There are certain circumstances that might increase cooking time, such as a partially frozen chicken or inaccurate oven temperatures.

If you have a chicken the size of a turkey, it might take a little longer.

Typically the chicken will roast at 450°F for 30 minutes and then you drop the temperature to 350°F and cook for 60 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Roasted Chicken Tips

• Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for a high-quality, fresh chicken from a trusted source. Look for plump, moist, and well-shaped birds to ensure tender and juicy meat.
• Pat Dry: Before roasting, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully during the cooking process.
• Season Generously: Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning your chicken. Rub a mixture of herbs, spices, and salt all over the bird, both on the outside and inside the cavity. This imparts incredible flavor throughout.
• Trussing: Consider trussing your chicken, especially if you want to achieve even cooking and presentation. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, securing the wings close to the body. Trussing helps the chicken maintain its shape and promotes even browning.
• Proper Roasting Temperature: Preheat your oven to 450°F for a crispy skin and moist meat. Ensure the chicken is placed on a rack in a roasting pan, allowing the hot air to circulate evenly.
• After 30 minutes, drop the temp to 350°F for a one hour cook time.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, invest in a reliable meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Basting: For an extra burst of flavor, baste the chicken with its own juices during the roasting process. Basting helps the skin to become irresistibly golden and adds moisture to the meat.
• Resting Period: After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for approximately 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in tender and juicy meat.

Resting a Roasted Chicken

During the resting period, which typically lasts around 10 to 15 minutes, the temperature of the chicken may increase by a few degrees. This additional cooking time helps to ensure that the chicken reaches the desired level of doneness and guarantees a more succulent and evenly cooked final product.

Allowing your chicken to rest is crucial for the overall quality of the roasted chicken.

Cutting into the meat immediately after it’s been cooked will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry and less flavorful outcome. By allowing the chicken to rest, you give the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more delicious and moist end result.

The Best Time and Temperature for Roasting Chicken

We have experimented with different temperatures and cooking times and have discovered that roasting the chicken at 450°F  for 30 minutes and then 350°F for one hour works perfectly every time! In the end you’ll have a juicy chicken with golden brown skin.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Sides for Roasted Chicken

When I cook roasted chicken, my favorite way to enjoy it is with a side of mashed white sweet potatoes (since russet potatoes are a nightshade food) or even mashed malanga, which has a neutral taste.

Of course you’ll want to make gravy from all the liquid gold pan juices to pour all over your potatoes. I also enjoy making my swiss chard recipe to go alongside it. If you plan on pulling your chicken into shreds, you can find all sorts of great shredded chicken recipes to make using it. You can also add shredded chicken to grain free casseroles.

You can use leftover roasted chicken in recipes like crustless chicken pot pie.

More Sides for Roasted Chicken

• Butter-slathered grain free bread
• White navy beans
• Roasted root vegetables or mashed tuber vegetables (like potatoes)
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Garlic green beans

How to Store Roasted Chicken

When it comes to storing leftover chicken, it’s important to follow proper food safety guidelines to maintain its quality and prevent any health risks.

1. Let it cool: Allow the roasted chicken to cool down at room temperature for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This helps to prevent bacterial growth during the storage process.

2. Separate and refrigerate: If you have leftover roasted chicken, remove any stuffing and carve it into smaller pieces. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. Make sure to separate the chicken into individual portions for easier use later.

3. Refrigerate promptly: Place the container with the roasted chicken in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking.

4. Use within three to four days: Roasted chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for three to four days.

5. Reheat properly: When reheating the stored roasted chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to kill any bacteria present. This can be done in an oven, microwave, or stovetop, depending on your preference.

Remember not to toss the chicken carcass! You can use it to make homemade chicken broth. You can also use the giblets because the giblets there are many health benefits of gizzard and chicken hearts.

Flavor Variations

Roasted chicken doesn’t have to be the same flavors every time. You can mix it up, depending on the flavor prfile you are going for. For example, when I am cooking a whole chicken because I want to shred it for enchiladas, I will do a mixture of the following seasonings:

• Salt – 1 tablespoon
• Black pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (omit for strict AIP)
• Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
• Onion powder – 1/4 teaspoon
• Cumin – 1 teaspoon
• Oregano – 1 teaspoon

If you have have nightshades, you can also use chili powder and red pepper flakes. Toasted and crushed coriander seeds are also a great addition to this blend.

You can also stuff the chicken if you’d like, using a combination of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and lemon.

Additional options for adding flavor to roast chicken are adding lemon zest, melted butter, and fresh herbs.

Making Gravy

When you make gravy from the pan juices and the drippings from the bottom of the pan, you will want to leave the fat behind. The best way to do this is to pour all the pan drippings into a large glass measuring cup. The fat will separate from the juices by floating on the top.

Use a ladle to grab all the fat and discard. it.

Next, taste the pan juices to see what flavors it has. Is it too salty? That’s perfect! You will want to add some water or extra bone broth that you made previously to it. Make sure it has the flavor you are looking for before thickening it.

You can either thicken the gravy using tapioca or arrowroot flour or start with a rue and then slowly pour in your liquid. Be sure to whisk it well to your desired consistency.

Roasted Chicken vs. Baked Chicken

When it comes to cooking chicken, the methods of roasting and baking may seem similar, but they do have distinct differences.

Rosted Chicken

Roasting involves cooking the chicken uncovered at higher temperatures. This high heat helps to achieve a crispy, browned exterior while retaining the moisture within the meat. Roasting is often preferred for whole chickens or larger cuts.

Baking Chicken

On the other hand, baking involves cooking the chicken, usually covered, at a lower temperature. The lower heat allows for a slower, more even cooking process, ensuring that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender. Baking is commonly used for chicken parts or smaller cuts, such as breasts or thighs.

Both methods yield delicious results, but roasting tends to provide a more intense flavor and a crispy texture, perfect for showcasing the natural juiciness of the chicken.

Baking, on the other hand, produces a more tender and succulent outcome, ideal for those who prefer a milder taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about roasted chicken?

How Long Do You Roast a Chicken?

The total cooking time for my roasted chicken recipe is 1.5 hours.

How Do You Prepare a Chicken for Roasting?

To prepare a chicken for roasting for this easy roast chicken recipe, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by removing any giblets or neck from the cavity of the chicken. These can typically be found in a small bag inside the cavity. Discard them or save them to use when making bone broth later.

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps to achieve a crispy skin during roasting.

3. Season the chicken generously with desired seasonings.

4. If you prefer, you can truss the chicken with a kitchen string to help it cook evenly. Trussing involves tying the legs together and tucking the wings under the bird. However, this step is optional and can be skipped if desired.

5. Cook the chicken on a roasting rack or in a good roasting pan. This helps to elevate the chicken and allows the heat to circulate around it, resulting in a more evenly cooked bird.

Do You Have to Brine a Roasted Chicken?

It’s not necessary to to a chicken brine before roasting it. If you want to brine it for extra flavor, however, here’s a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt or sea salt
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot or container, combine water, apple cider vinegar, salt, black peppercorns, crushed garlic, and fresh rosemary (if using). Stir until the salt dissolves.

2. Place the whole chicken in the brine, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover the pot or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but no more than 24 hours. The longer you brine, the more flavor the chicken will absorb.

3. After the desired brining time, remove the chicken from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt and vinegar. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.

4. Cook the chicken following the instructions in my roasted chicken recipe.

Brining your chicken with apple cider vinegar helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with a subtle tanginess. Enjoy your flavorful and juicy chicken!

Is It Better to Roast a Chicken Covered or Uncovered?

To ensure a golden-brown, crispy chicken skin you will want to roast the chicken uncovered.

How Do You Know When a Roasted Chicken is Done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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