Grandma's Simple Roast Chicken

Tender, golden, and bursting with the comforting flavors of garlic, herbs, and lemon, Grandma’s Simple Roast Chicken is a timeless recipe that proves less is more. This classic dinner centerpiece uses just a handful of fresh, aromatic ingredients—like rosemary, thyme, and juicy lemon—to infuse a 4-pound whole chicken with incredible flavor while maintaining its juicy, succulent texture. A rich, seasoned butter rubbed beneath the skin creates a crispy, golden exterior, while the roasted garlic and citrus inside keep every bite deliciously moist. Perfect for Sunday dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe is ready in under 2 hours and pairs beautifully with your favorite sides. Indulge in this nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish seasoned to perfection—a true taste of home-cooked tradition that never goes out of style.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:110 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 lb Whole chicken
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 4 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 whole Lemon
• 2 pieces Fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 pieces Fresh thyme sprigs
• 2 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Remove the giblets from the chicken, rinse the chicken inside and out under cold running water, and pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 3

Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the butter with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 2 minced garlic cloves.

Step 5

Using your hands, carefully loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and rub the butter mixture evenly under the skin. Spread any remaining butter over the top of the chicken.

Step 6

Cut the lemon in half and place both halves inside the chicken cavity along with the rosemary, thyme, and the remaining whole garlic cloves.

Step 7

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken.

Step 8

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the remaining salt and pepper.

Step 9

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.

Step 10

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy Grandma’s perfect roast chicken with your favorite side dishes!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1986.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	964.0

Total Fat 90.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 260.1mg	0%
Sodium 4881.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 11.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 36.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 87.4mg	0%
Iron 3.4mg	0%
Potassium 585.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 80.9%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 4.6%