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Classic Roast Chicken

Streamlined Recipe

What's a Streamlined Recipe?

This recipe gives you everything you need to cook this dish successfully! It is focused on the essentials so you can get started fast. The full version with detailed tips and techniques is coming soon.

Classic Roast Chicken

A perfectly seasoned whole roast chicken with crispy golden skin and juicy meat. This timeless recipe is a cornerstone of home cooking that delivers impressive results with simple techniques.

Total Time 1 hr 30 min
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Prep: 15 min Cook: 1 hr 15 min

This recipe was automatically generated and is waiting for our culinary review. The instructions and ingredients are complete and ready to use, but we have not reviewed or tested it yet. Try it out and tell us what you think. Your feedback will help us make it even better!

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (3 to 4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

Before you start

Equipment You'll Need

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Kitchen twine
  • Meat thermometer
  • Paper towels
  • Small mixing bowl

Safety Tips & Important Notes

Follow these for best results and safety.

  1. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness - thigh should reach 165°F internal temperature
  2. Patting the chicken dry is crucial for crispy skin
  3. Don't skip the resting period as it allows juices to redistribute
  4. If skin browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.

  3. Pat chicken completely dry with paper towels, inside and out.

  4. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, paprika, and onion powder.

  5. Rub softened butter under the skin of the breast and thighs, being careful not to tear the skin.

  6. Rub olive oil all over the outside of the chicken.

  7. Season the chicken inside and out with the spice mixture, rubbing it evenly into the skin.

  8. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and rosemary sprigs.

  9. Truss the chicken by tying the legs together with kitchen twine and tucking wing tips under the body.

  10. Place chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.

  11. Roast for 60-75 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

  12. Let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Chef's notes

Leftover chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days

Save the drippings to make gravy

Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes

Can be served hot or at room temperature for picnics

noadscooking.com — Classic Roast Chicken

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