Description
A simple and classic recipe for roasting a whole chicken to perfection. This super easy roast chicken requires minimal ingredients and effort, delivering juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin. Perfect as a comforting meal or for meal prep, this dish showcases the beauty of basic seasoning and roasting technique.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken (packet of giblets removed)
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking rack in the lower third of the oven. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breast side up in an oven-safe pan, preferably cast iron. Truss the legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and use your hands to rub it all over, coating the skin evenly. Season generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasoning into the skin with your hands.
- Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 70 to 90 minutes until the juices run clear. Check doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes on a cutting board. This resting step allows the juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful meat. Slice and serve.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for beginners looking to master roasting a whole chicken.
- Only requires three core ingredients, making it simple and budget-friendly.
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before roasting helps with even cooking.
- Patting the chicken dry ensures crispy skin.
- Trussing the legs makes the chicken cook evenly and maintain shape.
- Letting the chicken rest before carving is essential for juicy meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 411 kcal
- Sugar: 0.01 g
- Sodium: 127 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 0.1 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 136 mg
