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Roasted Chicken Recipe

Roasted Chicken Recipe
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A simple and foolproof Roasted Chicken Recipe that yields juicy, tender, and flavorful chicken with crispy golden skin. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps to create a delicious meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (3-4 lbs): fresh or thawed
  • Olive oil (2-3 tablespoons)
  • Salt (1 tablespoon)
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon)
  • Garlic cloves (4-5, smashed)
  • Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs (a few)
  • Lemon (1, halved)

Optional Variations

  • Smoked paprika and chili flakes (for a spicy twist)
  • Oregano or sage (as herb blend substitutions)
  • Garlic butter mixture (for spreading under the skin)
  • Root vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions (for roasting as a vegetable bed)
  • Skinless chicken parts and reduced oil (for healthier version)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity, then pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crisp skin.
  2. Season the Chicken: Rub the entire chicken evenly with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and black pepper both inside and outside the chicken. Stuff the cavity with smashed garlic cloves, fresh herbs, and lemon halves to infuse aroma and flavor.
  3. Truss the Chicken: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips underneath the body to promote even cooking and moisture retention.
  4. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat when carved.

Notes

  • Dry the skin well to achieve crispiness as moisture prevents browning.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness without guesswork.
  • Let the chicken rest after roasting to keep the meat juicy and make carving easier.
  • Roasting at high heat crisps the skin—adjust cooking time if the chicken size varies.
  • Fresh herbs are preferred, but you can substitute dried herbs using about one-third the amount.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken, easy chicken recipe, family dinner, juicy chicken, crispy skin

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/roasted-chicken-recipe/