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Easy Oven Roasted Chicken

Easy Oven Roasted Chicken

Easy Oven Roasted Chicken is a simple yet satisfying home-cooked meal that yields juicy, tender meat with perfectly crispy and flavorful skin. This classic dish uses minimal ingredients and effort while delivering maximum taste, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. With versatility for different herb and spice variations, it’s a reliable, family-friendly recipe that also reheats beautifully for meal prep.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (fresh or fully thawed, about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1–2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary, thyme, or oregano
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 lemon, halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps achieve crispy skin. Season the chicken generously inside and out with salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs.
  2. Add Aromatics and Oil: Rub olive oil all over the chicken to lock in moisture and promote browning. Stuff the cavity with crushed garlic cloves and halved lemon to infuse subtle, fragrant flavors during roasting.
  3. Position for Roasting: Place the chicken breast side up on a roasting rack or in a cast-iron skillet. This setup ensures even heat circulation and consistent cooking for crispy skin all around.
  4. Roast to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with pan juices to keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
  5. Rest Before Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and moist.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken skin thoroughly to get the perfect golden, crispy texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken is cooked safely and does not dry out.
  • Allow the chicken to rest after roasting to preserve juiciness and make carving easier.
  • Season liberally with herbs and spices for deeper, more unforgettable flavors.
  • Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz cooked chicken)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 0 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: oven roasted chicken, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken, roast chicken, classic chicken, simple dinner, family meal, meal prep chicken