Description
This Classic Roast Chicken is a timeless and comforting dish featuring a whole chicken seasoned simply with herbs, garlic, and lemon, then roasted to golden, juicy perfection. Ideal for Sunday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 onion, quartered
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme sprigs), optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove giblets from the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Rub the entire chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
- Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, onion, and fresh herbs if using.
- Truss the legs with kitchen twine if desired and tuck the wings under the body.
- Place chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet.
- Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Serve with pan juices or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure juiciness.
- Letting the chicken rest before carving helps retain juices.
- Add chopped vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the pan for a complete one-pan meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
