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–+ servings
A plate of Roasted Chicken
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5

Whole Roasted Chicken

Learn how to Roast Chicken that is tender and juicy with a flavorful, crispy skin. Easy to follow tips take the guesswork out of roasting a whole chicken!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Resting time10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8 servings
Author: Kristin Maxwell

Ingredients

  • 4 pound whole fryer chicken weight will vary, but generally 3-5 pounds will be fine
  • 1/4 cup salted butter softened
  • 1 lemon cut in half or quarters
  • 1 small onion cut into chunks
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • Additional lemon wedges for serving
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Seasoning blend:

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Mix ingredients for the seasoning blend in a small bowl and set aside. You could also simply use salt and pepper only if you prefer. In a small bowl, mash together the softened butter with half of the seasoning blend.
  • Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity of the chicken, if included, and discard or save/freeze to make dressing or gravy another time. Pat the chicken dry inside and out with paper towels. Loosen the skin all around the chicken by sliding your fingers beneath the skin and wiggling them around (do not remove the skin or break it loose; gently lift so you can get the seasoning underneath). Rub the butter mixture into the meat under the skin.
  • Stuff the cavity of the bird with the rosemary, thyme, lemon halves and onion.
  • Place chicken, breast side up, in a roasting pan and sprinkle the remaining seasoning all over the outside of the chicken.
  • Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Turn down the heat to 375 degrees F and roast for an additional 40-45 minutes (about 15 minutes per pound) or until juices run clear and a meat thermometer registers 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the thigh.
  • Remove from the oven and tent with foil for 10-15 minutes. Carve the chicken with a sharp knife and serve with additional lemon wedges. Garnish with fresh minced parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 298.51kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.48g | Protein: 20.79g | Fat: 22.28g | Saturated Fat: 8.37g | Cholesterol: 96.9mg | Sodium: 564.38mg | Potassium: 254.63mg | Fiber: 0.97g | Sugar: 0.98g | Vitamin A: 483.88IU | Vitamin C: 10.71mg | Calcium: 26.37mg | Iron: 1.32mg

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