This classic roast chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Juicy and tender on the inside with crispy golden skin on the outside, this simple whole roasted chicken is a crowd-pleaser every time. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious homemade meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage)
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, fresh herbs, and garlic cloves.
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wingtips under the body.
- Place the chicken breast side up in a roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Interesting Facts
Roasting a whole chicken is a cost-effective way to feed a family or a small group of people.
The high heat of the oven helps to render the fat in the chicken skin, resulting in a crispy and delicious exterior.
Using fresh herbs and citrus inside the chicken cavity helps to infuse the meat with flavor while it roasts.