Description
This Easy Roast Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously crispy, golden-brown bird with minimal effort, perfect for a comforting family dinner. The chicken is seasoned simply with salt, pepper, fresh rosemary, garlic, and lemon, then roasted to juicy perfection while infused with aromatic butter. Ideal for home cooks seeking a classic roast with foolproof instructions and tender, flavorful results.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 whole chicken (3.5-6 pounds)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, cut into quarters
- 6 cloves garlic, peeled
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Butter
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick), melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the rack in the middle position. If possible, let the chicken come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Melt the butter using a microwave or small saucepan.
- Prepare the Chicken: Remove any giblets from the chicken cavity if present, then pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season and Stuff: Generously season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with lemon quarters, garlic cloves, and rosemary sprigs. Optionally, tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking.
- Arrange for Roasting: Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting pan or dish; a pan with a rack is ideal for crispy skin all around. Pour the melted butter evenly over the chicken.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the preheated oven. For a 3.5-4 pound bird, cook for 55-65 minutes; for a 5-6 pound bird, cook up to 90 minutes. Do not baste or open the oven during cooking to maintain consistent heat.
- Check for Doneness: Verify doneness by cutting between the leg and thigh; juices should run clear and legs should move easily. For accuracy, use an instant-read thermometer in the thigh (avoiding bone); it should register at least 165°F, ideally in the 170s°F for tender meat.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute before carving. Spoon the flavorful buttery juices over the chicken and any side dishes for extra richness.
Notes
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before roasting helps it cook more evenly.
- Using a roasting pan with a rack allows heat to circulate, ensuring crispy skin.
- Do not baste or open the oven during roasting to maintain steady oven temperature and better texture.
- Resting the chicken after cooking enhances juiciness and flavor.
- Always use a food thermometer to avoid undercooking or overcooking poultry.
