Mark Bittman's Roast Chicken Parts with Butter or Olive Oil Plu

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with Mark Bittman's Roast Chicken Parts with Butter or Olive Oil, a simple yet delicious recipe that guarantees tender, flavorful meat with irresistibly crispy skin. With just a handful of pantry staples—like bone-in chicken parts, butter or olive oil, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and paprika—this recipe comes together with minimal prep time and bakes to perfection in under an hour. The high-heat roasting technique locks in moisture while creating beautiful golden caramelization, making it the perfect main dish for any occasion. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an added touch of freshness, and pair it with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Ideal for home cooks seeking an easy, foolproof way to enjoy juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces bone-in chicken parts (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a roasting pan.

Step 2

Pat the chicken parts dry with paper towels to help them crisp up during roasting.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together the butter or olive oil with the salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and paprika (if using).

Step 4

Rub the butter or oil mixture all over the chicken parts, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.

Step 5

Arrange the chicken parts on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side up and spaced apart so they roast evenly.

Step 6

Place the chicken in the oven and roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute the juices.

Step 8

Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(654.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1609.7

Total Fat 125.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 46.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 574.3mg	0%
Sodium 2784.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 2.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.7g	0%
Total Sugars 0.1g
Protein 108.7g	0%

Vitamin D 57.4IU	0%
Calcium 90.6mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1194.4mg	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: 71.8%

Protein: 27.7%

Carbs: 0.5%