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The Ultimate Easy Oven Roasted Chicken with Crispy Skin

A whole, juicy roasted chicken with glossy, browned skin resting on a white plate.
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Make a whole roasted chicken that is juicy inside and has perfectly crispy skin using simple garlic and herb butter. This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 small onion, quartered

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Remove the chicken from its packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken dry, inside and out, with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined into a paste.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and thighs. Rub about half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Place the lemon halves and onion quarters inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Place the chicken in a roasting pan or a large cast-iron skillet.
  6. Roast the chicken for 15 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Continue roasting for 50 to 70 minutes more, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest on a cutting board, tented loosely with foil, for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier roast chicken.
  9. Carve and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can lightly brush the chicken with olive oil before roasting.
  • If you want a rotisserie style chicken at home, you can truss the legs together with kitchen twine before roasting.
  • Use the pan drippings to make a simple gravy or sauce for serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/easy-roasted-chicken-juicy-crispy-skin/