Juicy roasted chicken herbs (Print version)
Whole chicken roasted with herbs and vegetables for a tender, flavorful main course.
# Ingredient List:
→ Poultry
01 - 1 whole chicken, approximately 3.3 lbs
→ Aromatics & Vegetables
02 - 1 lemon, halved
03 - 1 head garlic, halved horizontally
04 - 1 onion, quartered
05 - 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
06 - 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks
→ Herbs & Spices
07 - 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
08 - 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
09 - 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
10 - 1 tsp paprika
11 - 1 ½ tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Optional
13 - ½ cup dry white wine or chicken broth
# How To Make It:
01 - Set the oven temperature to 425°F.
02 - Remove any giblets from inside the chicken cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
03 - Rub the entire chicken with olive oil or melted butter, then season inside and out with salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and paprika.
04 - Place the halved lemon, halved garlic head, and some onion quarters inside the chicken cavity.
05 - Spread the remaining onion quarters, carrots, and celery into the bottom of a large roasting pan. Position a rack over the vegetables if available, then set the chicken breast-side up on the rack or directly on the vegetables.
06 - Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the chicken body.
07 - Pour white wine or chicken broth into the pan if using, to enhance moisture and flavor.
08 - Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F. Continue roasting for 50 to 60 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature of the thickest thigh reads 165°F and juices run clear.
09 - Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. Serve alongside the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- There’s something so satisfying about pulling a golden, perfectly roasted chicken from the oven and sharing it around the table like a little secret.
- The step-by-step seasoning and roasting process makes even a beginner feel like a confident home chef.
02 -
- Drying the chicken thoroughly before roasting is a game changer for crispy skin.
- Leaving the chicken uncovered in the fridge for a few hours helps render fat and crisp the skin even more.
03 -
- Using a meat thermometer is the only way to ensure perfect doneness every time—trust it over the clock.
- The secret to extra flavor is letting the chicken rest after roasting; the juices redistribute and everything tastes better.