Perfectly Roasted Chicken

Achieve culinary perfection with this recipe for Perfectly Roasted Chicken, a timeless classic that combines simplicity and sophistication for a mouthwatering meal. This whole chicken is generously seasoned with a fragrant blend of fresh rosemary and thyme, garlic, and a zesty twist of lemon, resulting in juicy, tender meat with beautifully crispy skin. A drizzle of olive oil and patient roasting at the right temperature yield a golden-brown bird that's as stunning as it is flavorful. The preparation, including slipping flavorful aromatics under the skin and tying the legs for even cooking, ensures professional-level results every time. Ideal for an impressive yet approachable dinner, this roast chicken pairs seamlessly with vegetables, salads, or hearty sides for a crowd-pleasing feast.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:105 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 approximately 4 pounds whole chicken
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 4 garlic cloves
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before roasting to bring it to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.

Step 3

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy skin.

Step 4

Place the chicken on a clean work surface or cutting board. Using your hands, loosen the skin over the breast and thighs, being careful not to tear it.

Step 5

Slice the lemon in half. Insert one half into the cavity of the chicken along with two garlic cloves, one sprig of rosemary, and one sprig of thyme.

Step 6

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, the juice from the remaining half lemon, finely chopped garlic from the remaining cloves, and the needles from the remaining rosemary sprigs and thyme leaves.

Step 7

Rub this mixture generously over the entire chicken, both under the loosened skin and on the outside. Season the chicken all over with salt and pepper.

Step 8

Tuck the wing tips under the body of the chicken and tie the legs together using kitchen twine to promote even cooking.

Step 9

Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. This allows the heat to circulate around the entire bird.

Step 10

Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh, and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced.

Step 11

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Step 12

Carve the chicken and serve it with your favorite sides.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1946.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	684.0

Total Fat 57.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 136.1mg	0%
Sodium 4875.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 12.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.2g	0%
Total Sugars 1.5g
Protein 36.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 81.7mg	0%
Iron 3.7mg	0%
Potassium 581.4mg	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: 72.6%

Protein: 20.5%

Carbs: 6.9%