Description
Succulent Oven Roasted Chicken brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown skin and herb-infused flavor. Juicy meat and crisp edges promise a simple yet impressive meal that satisfies hungry families and delights weekend gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds / 1.8–2.3 kilograms)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary)
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Aromatics and Liquids:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth (for roasting pan)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by positioning the oven rack in the center and heating to a robust 425F (220C). Select a roasting pan or baking dish lined with aluminum foil for optimal cooking.
- Thoroughly eliminate moisture from the chicken using clean paper towels. Massage the entire surface with olive oil, ensuring complete coverage including beneath the skin. Craft a vibrant seasoning blend combining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and bright lemon zest. Distribute the aromatic spice mixture evenly across the chicken’s exterior.
- Enhance flavor complexity by gently nestling lemon wedges, crushed garlic cloves, and fragrant fresh herbs into the chicken’s cavity. Secure the legs together using kitchen twine to promote uniform heat distribution and consistent cooking.
- Position the chicken breast-facing upward on the prepared rack. Pour chicken broth into the pan base to maintain moisture during roasting. Cook uncovered for approximately 75 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C) in the thickest thigh region. Midway through cooking, delicately baste with pan juices to encourage a crisp, golden exterior.
- Allow the roasted chicken to rest peacefully for 10-15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice and present alongside complementary sides like roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.
Notes
- Customize your seasoning blend by experimenting with different herbs and spices like rosemary, oregano, or cumin to match your flavor preferences.
- Ensure crispy skin by patting the chicken completely dry and using a high-temperature oven, which helps render fat and create a golden, crackling exterior.
- Preserve moisture by avoiding overcooking and letting the chicken rest after roasting, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum tenderness.
- Adapt for dietary needs by using dairy-free butter alternatives or omitting butter entirely, making this recipe suitable for various nutritional requirements.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg