If there’s one recipe every home cook needs in their back pocket, it’s a perfectly roasted chicken. This is the kind of dish that, no matter the occasion, satisfies and impresses. And it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. We’re talking about crispy, golden-brown skin and tender, juicy meat, all infused with the perfect blend of herbs, butter, and aromatics. This roasted chicken is so good, it’ll have everyone reaching for seconds, guaranteed.
Why You Should Make This Roasted Chicken
Let’s be real: nothing says comfort like a roasted chicken. It’s the kind of dish that takes you back to home-cooked Sunday dinners and fills the house with a mouth-watering aroma that’s hard to beat. And here’s the best part: this recipe is surprisingly simple but tastes like it came straight from a five-star kitchen. All you need is a few fresh herbs, some butter, and a whole chicken, and you’re on your way to one seriously delicious meal.
SnG Food Thermometer
Roasting a whole chicken has benefits that go beyond taste, too. When you make a roasted chicken from scratch, you know exactly what’s going into it—no preservatives or mystery ingredients. Plus, a whole chicken is budget-friendly, and any leftovers can be transformed into soups, salads, or sandwiches, making it a perfect meal-prep option.
Ready to impress everyone at the table? Let’s dive into the details of this classic dish that’ll become a staple in your cooking lineup.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (5 lb)
- 1 recipe chicken brine
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 onion, peeled and quartered
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 6 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley leaves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste (if brined, go easy on the salt)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Perfectly Roasted Chicken
1. Brine the Chicken
- Start by brining your chicken. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and moisture. Use your favorite brine recipe, or simply dissolve salt in water and let the chicken soak for a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- After brining, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting.
2. Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for a beautifully roasted, evenly cooked chicken.
3. Prepare the Chicken
- Tuck the chicken wings underneath the breast. This keeps the tips from burning and ensures an even cook.
- Stuff the cavity with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, along with the quartered onion and lemon. These aromatics infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks.
- Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the herbs and aromatics secure.
4. Make the Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. This herb butter is what’s going to take your chicken from good to unforgettable.
5. Season the Chicken
- Loosen the skin over the chicken breast by gently sliding your fingers under it. Rub half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin, and then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
6. Roast the Chicken
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Check on your chicken every 20 minutes or so. If the skin begins to darken too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Let It Rest
- Once the chicken reaches the perfect temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This step lets the juices redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful.
8. Serve with Pan Drippings
- Don’t forget to serve your roasted chicken with those savory pan drippings. Spoon them over the meat for an extra punch of flavor.
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Roasted Chicken
- Brine for Flavor: A good brine can make a world of difference. It helps the meat retain moisture and brings out the natural flavors.
- Dry the Skin: For that crispy, golden skin, make sure the chicken is completely dry before applying the butter mixture.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid guessing—using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest before carving is key. This keeps the meat juicy.
- Baste if Needed: If you want an extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with the pan juices a couple of times during roasting.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap out the herbs or add citrus zest to the butter for a unique twist.
15 Delicious Variations for Roasted Chicken
- Garlic Lemon Chicken: Add extra garlic and lemon zest to the butter mixture.
- Cajun Spice Rub: Swap the herbs for a Cajun spice blend.
- Honey Glazed: Brush the chicken with honey for a sweet, caramelized finish.
- Herb Crust: Use a mix of dried Italian herbs in the butter.
- Maple Mustard Glaze: Mix maple syrup and Dijon mustard into the butter for a sweet-tangy flavor.
- Paprika and Smoked Salt: Add smoked paprika and smoked salt to the butter for a smoky kick.
- Rosemary Garlic Only: Stick to a simple rosemary and garlic flavor profile.
- Spicy Sriracha: Add a little Sriracha to the butter for a spicy roasted chicken.
- Asian-Inspired: Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for an umami flavor.
- Mediterranean: Add olives, tomatoes, and oregano inside the cavity.
- Butter Lemon Herb: Add extra lemon zest and juice in the cavity and butter.
- Roasted Apple and Sage: Stuff with apples and sage for a fall-inspired dish.
- Brown Sugar Rub: Add brown sugar to the butter for a caramelized crust.
- Lemon Pepper: Use lemon pepper seasoning on the skin.
- BBQ-Style: Brush with your favorite BBQ sauce before the final 15 minutes of roasting.
What to Serve with Roasted Chicken: 15 Perfect Sides
- Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and potatoes
- Classic Stuffing
- Green Bean Casserole
- Garlic Bread
- Grilled Asparagus
- Creamed Spinach
- Buttered Corn on the Cob
- Sweet Potatoes: Mashed, roasted, or baked
- Caesar Salad
- Mac and Cheese
- Coleslaw
- Baked Beans
- Rice Pilaf
- Cranberry Sauce
Storage Tips for Leftover Roasted Chicken
- In the Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- In the Freezer: For longer storage, shred or chop the chicken meat and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a low oven (around 300°F) to keep the meat tender. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
How Much Roasted Chicken to Make for Family Gatherings
When serving a crowd, plan on about ½ to ¾ pound of chicken per person. A 5-pound chicken will serve 4 to 6 people, so adjust accordingly. If you’re hosting a large gathering, you may want to roast two chickens or opt for a larger bird.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Roasted Chicken?
You can prepare and brine the chicken a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. If you’re roasting it the day of, try to time it so that it’s finished about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing it to rest before carving. Roasting it in advance and reheating it is also an option; just cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven.
The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by brining your chicken. This step is optional but highly recommended for extra flavor and moisture. Use your favorite brine recipe, or simply dissolve salt in water and let the chicken soak for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. After brining, pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up during roasting.
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the ideal temperature for a beautifully roasted, evenly cooked chicken.
- Tuck the chicken wings underneath the breast. This keeps the tips from burning and ensures an even cook. Stuff the cavity with fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs, along with the quartered onion and lemon. These aromatics infuse the meat with incredible flavor as it cooks. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine to keep the herbs and aromatics secure.
- In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, and pepper. This herb butter is what’s going to take your chicken from good to unforgettable.
- Loosen the skin over the chicken breast by gently sliding your fingers under it. Rub half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the meat under the skin, and then spread the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Check on your chicken every 20 minutes or so. If the skin begins to darken too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
- Once the chicken reaches the perfect temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This step lets the juices redistribute, making every bite moist and flavorful.
- Don’t forget to serve your roasted chicken with those savory pan drippings. Spoon them over the meat for an extra punch of flavor.
