Roast Chicken Recipe

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a perfectly roasted chicken. It’s a classic dish that never goes out of style, and once you master it, you’ll have a go-to recipe for countless meals. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply preparing a hearty family meal, this roast chicken recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

For this roast chicken recipe, you will need:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, halved
• 1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
• Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 carrots, cut into large chunks
• 2 celery stalks, cut into large chunks

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A high initial temperature will help to crisp the skin.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.

3. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting that crispy skin. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil. Generously season the cavity and the skin with salt and pepper.

4. Add Aromatics

Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, garlic halves, and a handful of fresh herbs. These aromatics will infuse the chicken with wonderful flavors as it roasts.

5. Truss the Chicken

Trussing the chicken helps it cook more evenly and ensures that the wings and legs stay close to the body, preventing them from drying out. You can use kitchen twine to tie the legs together and tuck the wings under the body.

6. Prepare the Vegetables

In a large roasting pan, place the onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables not only add flavor but also serve as a bed for the chicken, keeping it elevated for even cooking.

7. Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Put the pan in the oven and roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

8. Baste Occasionally

To keep the chicken moist, baste it with the pan juices every 20 minutes. This also helps to develop a beautiful golden-brown skin.

9. Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

A perfectly roasted chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: Use the same oven to roast some seasonal vegetables alongside the chicken.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic companion.
• Green Beans: Steamed or sautéed green beans add a fresh, vibrant touch to your meal.
• Gravy: Use the pan drippings to make a delicious homemade gravy.

Tips for Success

• Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper. Proper seasoning makes a big difference.
• Let it Rest: Resting the chicken after roasting is crucial for juicy meat.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked without being overdone by checking the internal temperature.

Conclusion

Roasting a chicken might seem daunting, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll see how simple and rewarding it can be. The result is a delicious, succulent roast chicken with crispy skin and flavorful meat. Enjoy it as the centerpiece of your meal and savor the compliments from your guests!

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Happy cooking! If you try this roast chicken recipe, let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Do you have any tips or variations to share? We’d love to hear from you!