Description
Roasted Whole Chicken brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with golden-brown perfection and herbal aromas. Succulent meat and crispy skin promise a delightful meal that transports you to sun-drenched Italian kitchens.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.2 kg)
Seasoning Mix:
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Instructions
- Thoroughly inspect the chicken for any remaining internal organs, carefully extracting and discarding any giblets or unwanted parts.
- Using fresh paper towels, meticulously blot the entire chicken surface, ensuring the skin is completely moisture-free to achieve a perfectly crisp exterior during roasting.
- Position the chicken with the breast facing upward in a heavy-duty roasting pan or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet, allowing for even heat distribution.
- Gently massage the chicken skin with a light coating of olive oil, creating a protective layer that will enhance browning and develop a golden, crackling texture.
- Liberally season the entire chicken with a harmonious blend of kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and aromatic herbs like thyme and rosemary, ensuring every crevice is generously covered.
- Strategically insert whole garlic cloves and lemon wedges inside the chicken cavity to infuse subtle, fragrant notes throughout the meat during roasting.
- Preheat the oven to a precise 425°F (220°C), allowing sufficient time for the oven to reach the optimal temperature for creating a beautifully roasted chicken with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Carefully slide the prepared chicken into the center of the preheated oven, allowing ample space for heat circulation.
Notes
- Patting the chicken skin thoroughly ensures maximum crispiness, creating that golden, crunchy exterior every roast chicken lover craves.
- Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and maintain a beautiful, compact shape during roasting.
- For extra flavor infusion, gently separate the skin from the meat and massage herbs or seasoned butter directly onto the chicken’s flesh before roasting.
- Consider using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring the chicken reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part without overcooking, which keeps the meat juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg