Easy Oven Roasted Chicken

I’m so excited to share my Easy Oven Roasted Chicken recipe because it’s the kind of dish that makes your whole kitchen smell like home while delivering the most tender juicy meat and golden crispy skin. From weeknight dinners to Sunday feasts this recipe proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to make something truly comforting and flavorful.

Whenever I roast a whole chicken I feel like I’m creating more than a meal—it’s an experience filled with warmth laughter and the delicious aroma of lemon garlic and herbs blending in perfect harmony. It’s one of those recipes that reminds me how simple food made with care can turn into something special.

What I love most is how forgiving and versatile this recipe is. You can swap herbs depending on what you have on hand add vegetables to the roasting pan or even use the leftovers for salads and sandwiches the next day. It’s my go-to choice for a wholesome family dinner that never fails to impress.

Let’s get started and I’ll walk you through each easy step to create a perfectly roasted chicken with golden crispy skin and juicy flavorful meat every single time.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Whole chicken – The star of the recipe that turns tender and juicy once roasted.
• Lemons – Add bright citrus flavor that enhances the chicken and keeps it moist.
• Garlic cloves – Infuse the chicken with deep savory aroma.
• Fresh thyme – Brings earthy fragrance and herbal balance to the flavor.
• Onions – Add sweetness and richness to the roasting pan.
• Olive oil – Helps the skin become golden and crispy.
• Salt – Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• Black pepper – Adds just the right amount of spice and warmth.

Tools You’ll Need

• Roasting pan – Holds the chicken and allows even browning.
• Kitchen twine – Keeps the legs tied for even cooking.
• Basting brush – Helps coat the chicken evenly with oil and seasoning.
• Meat thermometer – Ensures the chicken is perfectly cooked without guessing.
• Cutting board – For prepping the ingredients and carving the chicken.
• Sharp knife – To easily slice the roasted chicken when ready to serve.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven helps the chicken skin crisp up beautifully while locking in the juices.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

I pat the chicken dry with paper towels because removing moisture is the secret to crispy skin. Then I place it on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Season Generously

I drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it all over including under the skin for maximum flavor. Then I sprinkle salt black pepper and a touch of thyme.

Step 4: Stuff for Flavor

Inside the cavity I place a few lemon wedges garlic cloves and thyme sprigs. This infuses the chicken from the inside out while it roasts.

Step 5: Tie and Arrange

I tie the legs together with kitchen twine so the chicken cooks evenly. I also tuck the wings under the body to prevent burning.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

I roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C). I baste it once or twice with its juices during cooking.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once done I let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This step is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute keeping the meat tender.

Tips

If you want extra crispy skin I suggest increasing the oven temperature to 450°F for the final 10 minutes of roasting. I sometimes add chopped carrots potatoes or celery around the chicken—they soak up the drippings and turn deliciously golden. If you’re short on thyme rosemary or oregano works just as well.

Ways to Serve

I love serving this Easy Oven Roasted Chicken with a fresh green salad like baby spinach and cherry tomatoes or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. It’s also wonderful with roasted vegetables or rice pilaf. The leftovers make great sandwiches wraps or even chicken soup the next day so nothing goes to waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I roast the Easy Oven Roasted Chicken?

It usually takes about 20 minutes per pound at 425°F depending on the size of your chicken. Always check with a meat thermometer for doneness.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes you can season and refrigerate the chicken for up to 24 hours before roasting to let the flavors deepen.

What can I use instead of fresh herbs?

Dried herbs work great! Use about one-third of the amount of fresh herbs for a similar flavor intensity.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this Easy Oven Roasted Chicken a try because it’s simple delicious and perfect for any occasion. Let me know how yours turns out and feel free to share your favorite sides to pair with it.

Happy Cooking!

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