Roasted Chicken : Delicious Roasted Chicken Recipe

Here’s a classic recipe for roasted chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasions!

Simple Roasted Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3 to 4 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh thyme, if available)
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 4-5 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting.

1. Season the Chicken:

• In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
• Rub the olive oil or melted butter all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
• Season the chicken generously with the spice mix, rubbing it into all areas, including the cavity.

1. Stuff the Chicken:

• Insert the lemon quarters and crushed garlic cloves (if using) into the cavity of the chicken. This will infuse moisture and flavor.

1. Truss the Chicken (Optional):

• If you like, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips behind the back for an even cook.

1. Roast the Chicken:

• Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan (or use a cast-iron skillet). This allows for even air circulation and prevents the chicken from steaming.
• Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with its juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture and flavor.

1. Rest the Chicken:

• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This helps retain the juices.

1. Serve:

• Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips:

• You can add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions around the chicken in the roasting pan to create a complete meal.
• Marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight with herbs and spices can enhance the flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Enjoy your delicious roasted chicken!