Ultimate Oven-Roasted Chicken: Tender, Juicy, and Crispy Skin Every Time

Oven-Roasted Chicken is a timeless dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser in any home. It’s the perfect combination of juicy, flavorful meat and crispy, golden skin, and the best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe has you covered. The tender chicken, infused with aromatic herbs and lemon, will have your kitchen smelling heavenly. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that can be served with all your favorite sides. You’ll love how easy it is to make this classic roast chicken in your own oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal prep work and simple ingredients. It’s as easy as seasoning and roasting the chicken!
• Flavorful and Juicy: The combination of garlic, herbs, and citrus infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the high roasting temperature ensures the meat stays juicy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Roast a whole chicken, and you’ll have plenty of leftover meat for salads, sandwiches, soups, and casseroles throughout the week.
• Versatile: This chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Budget-Friendly: Using a whole chicken makes this recipe affordable and great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4–5 garlic cloves, smashed
• Fresh herbs (optional: thyme, rosemary, or parsley) for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a roasting pan with foil or lightly grease it for easier cleanup later on.

2. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin become beautifully crispy when roasting. Don’t skip this step, as the drier the skin, the crispier it will be! Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity if needed.

3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine olive oil (or melted butter), lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme. Mix everything together to form a flavorful seasoning paste. Rub this paste all over the chicken—be sure to get it under the skin and inside the cavity for maximum flavor.

4. Stuff the Chicken:
Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges, onion quarters, and smashed garlic cloves. These aromatics will infuse the chicken from the inside out, giving it a fresh, savory aroma that will fill your home as it roasts.

5. Tie the Legs:
For more even cooking, you can tie the chicken’s legs together using kitchen twine. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly and keeps it nice and compact in the pan.

6. Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken breast-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with its own juices for an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

7. Rest the Chicken:
Once the chicken is perfectly roasted, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it extra tender and juicy.

8. Serve and Enjoy:
After resting, carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley if desired. This roast chicken is perfect with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Tips and Tricks

• For Extra Crispy Skin: If you love super crispy skin, try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of roasting. This will give the skin an irresistible golden crunch!
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley add an aromatic touch and make this dish feel even more special. You can either stuff them inside the chicken or sprinkle them on top before serving.
• Baste for Moisture: While not necessary, basting the chicken once or twice during roasting can add extra flavor and moisture. Use the pan drippings to spoon over the chicken for a boost of savory goodness.
• Season Under the Skin: For deeper flavor, lift the skin of the chicken and rub some of the seasoning mixture directly onto the meat. This ensures the flavor infuses every bite.
• Add Veggies to the Pan: Want to make this a one-pan meal? Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions to the pan alongside the chicken. They’ll cook in the chicken juices, becoming tender and flavorful.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for easy lunches or a quick dinner later in the week!
• Freezing: If you have leftover chicken that you can’t use up in time, you can shred it and freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat your roasted chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or use the microwave for a faster option. If you want to keep the skin crispy, reheat it in the oven instead of the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

This oven-roasted chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with many side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting some carrots, potatoes, and onions in the same pan with the chicken will create a flavorful, complete meal in no time.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food to accompany this juicy chicken. Pour some of the chicken drippings over the potatoes for extra flavor.
• Green Salad: A fresh, crisp salad can provide a light contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the chicken. Try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken alongside some fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all those delicious juices. A lemon-infused rice would pair perfectly with the citrus notes in the chicken.

Variations

• Herb Butter Chicken: For an extra rich flavor, mix butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic, and rub it under the skin of the chicken. The butter will melt into the meat, creating a wonderfully juicy roast.
• Citrus Twist: For a refreshing twist, use a mix of lemon, orange, or lime wedges inside the chicken. The citrus will add a burst of brightness to the roast.
• Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your seasoning mix. It will give the chicken a delightful spicy kick.
• Garlic and Herb Roast: Add more garlic cloves to the roasting pan, and consider using fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for an even more aromatic result.
• Sheet Pan Meal: Make this dish a complete dinner by roasting vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions alongside the chicken. The veggies will absorb the delicious flavors of the chicken as they cook.

FAQs

How do I get crispy skin on roasted chicken?
The key is to pat the chicken dry before seasoning, and roast it at a high temperature. If you want extra crispiness, try broiling the chicken for the last few minutes of cooking.

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the pieces.

What should I do if the chicken skin is getting too dark?
If the skin starts to get too dark before the chicken is cooked through, loosely cover it with foil and continue roasting until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Can I add vegetables to the roasting pan?
Absolutely! Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions roast beautifully in the same pan as the chicken.

Should I flip the chicken while roasting?
No need to flip the chicken. Roasting it breast-side up helps keep the meat juicy and the skin crispy.

Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
Yes, melted butter works wonderfully for an even richer flavor.

What can I do with leftover roasted chicken?
Leftover roasted chicken can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles for easy and delicious meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Oven-Roasted Chicken recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, flavorful, and foolproof way to prepare a delicious chicken dinner. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep work, you can create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests at a special gathering. The crispy skin, juicy meat, and aromatic flavors will make this chicken the star of your dinner table. Try it today—you’ll be amazed at how easy and satisfying it is to make!