Description
A timeless herb-roasted chicken recipe featuring a whole chicken seasoned with garlic, lemon, rosemary, thyme, and paprika. This dish delivers perfectly crispy skin and moist, flavorful meat, ideal for a hearty family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg / 3–4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Herbs and Aromatics
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting the chicken evenly.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps during roasting. Place it in a roasting pan suitable for oven use.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken all over with olive oil or butter, then evenly coat it with the minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, rosemary, and thyme. Make sure the seasoning covers every surface for maximum flavor.
- Stuff Cavity: Insert the halved lemon into the cavity of the chicken to infuse it with bright citrus flavor as it roasts.
- Roast Chicken: Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 60–75 minutes. For enhanced crispiness, baste the chicken halfway through cooking with its own juices.
- Rest: After roasting, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy.
- Carve and Serve: Carve the rested chicken and serve alongside your choice of sides such as roasted potatoes and carrots that can be cooked alongside the bird.
Notes
- Baste the chicken halfway through cooking for a crispier skin.
- Add potatoes and carrots to the roasting pan to cook alongside the chicken for a complete meal.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American / European