A classic dish enjoyed in a variety of cuisines around the world, roasted chicken is both delicious and nutritious. I prefer to coat the chicken with butter both underneath and on top of the skin to give it a savory flavor and a gold, crispy skin. You’ll be amazed at how simple this is to prepare!
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What is Roasted Chicken?
Roasted chicken is made by rubbing butter or oil over a whole chicken, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and any other herbs you’d like (I prefer thyme), and roasting it on high heat for a little over an hour. The result is a juicy and flavorful chicken with crispy golden skin.
This savory dish can be enjoyed in a variety of ways including sliced and served with vegetables or shredded and included as a part of a soup or stew. As an added bonus, this is both inexpensive and healthy!
How to Make Roasted Chicken
Roasting a chicken is very simple with most of the time being spent waiting for the chicken to roast in the oven. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this mouth watering meal:
1. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees (220 Celsius).
2. While the oven is preheating, cut the lemon into four wedges. These will be stuffed into the chicken before roasting to provide a subtle citrus flavor and aroma.
3. Next, prepare the chicken by adding it to roasting pan and patting it dry with paper towels.
4. Use your fingers to gently separate the skin from the chicken by sliding your hands under the skin, making sure to get under the legs as well.
5. Then, gently rub 1-2 tablespoons of butter under the skin.
6. Spread another 2-3 tablespoons of butter over the top of the skin in an even layer, making sure to get into all the creases and over the legs and wings.
7. After you’ve applied your butter, generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
8. Once seasoned, stuff the chicken with lemon wedges and fresh thyme.
9. Tie the legs together with cooking twine and tuck the wings under the chicken before cooking. This assures all the chicken is cooked evenly.
10. Once the chicken is ready to go, place it into the preheated oven and cook for 70 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the chicken and the liquids should be clear when it’s done.
11. Once the chicken is done cooking, cover it with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes prior to cutting. This helps to prevent the chicken from drying out.
12. Serve and enjoy! Save the drippings for a great gravy!
Roasted Chicken Recipe
Classic Roasted Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Roasting pan
- Cooking twine
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken 3-5 pounds
- 4 Tbsp. Butter Softened
- 1 Lemon Cut into wedges
- Salt
- Pepper
- Thyme (fresh or dried)
Instructions
- Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees (220 Celsius).
- While the oven is preheating, cut the lemon into four wedges. These will be stuffed into the chicken before roasting to provide a subtle citrus flavor and aroma.
- Next, prepare the chicken by adding it to roasting pan and patting it dry with paper towels.
- Use your fingers to gently separate the skin from the chicken by sliding your hands under the skin, making sure to get under the legs as well.
- Then, gently rub 1-2 tablespoons of butter under the skin.
- Spread another 2-3 tablespoons of butter over the top of the skin in an even layer, making sure to get into all the creases and over the legs and wings.
- After you've applied your butter, generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Once seasoned, stuff the chicken with lemon wedges and fresh thyme.
- Tie the legs together with cooking twine and tuck the wings under the chicken before cooking. This assures all the chicken is cooked evenly.
- Once the chicken is ready to go, place it into the preheated oven and cook for 70 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees (74 degrees Celsius) in the thickest part of the chicken and the liquids should be clear when it's done.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, cover it with foil and let it rest for 20 minutes prior to cutting. This helps to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Serve and enjoy! Save the drippings for a great gravy!
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Is roasted chicken healthy?
Yes! Roasted chicken is high in protein and low in fat and sugars.
Is roasted chicken gluten-free?
Typically, roasted chicken is gluten-free. However, I would always make sure you ask if you order from a restaurant or buy from a store as some of the spices used to season the chicken may contain gluten fillers.
Final Thoughts on Roasted Chicken
A staple in kitchens around the world, roasted chicken is an easy and inexpensive way to provide your family with a healthy and delicious meal. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family! Happy cooking!
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