Basic Roast Chicken Recipe

Achieve perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat with this easy roast chicken recipe! Inspired by Jamie Oliver, this simple method guarantees delicious results every time. Learn how to roast a whole chicken to perfection – a classic dish for any weeknight or special occasion.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 80 mins
Calories 712 kcal
Protein 112g
Rating Be the first
Basic Roast Chicken 294

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Basic Roast Chicken

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How to Make Basic Roast Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve crispy skin.
  3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
  4. Season generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
  5. Tuck the wings behind the back and place the legs together.
  6. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, herbs (rosemary and thyme are excellent choices), and garlic cloves (optional).
  7. Roast for 60-80 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
  8. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bird.
  9. Carve and serve! Enjoy your perfectly roasted chicken.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

9 g

Sugar

0g

Fat

74g

Carbs

0g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Basic Roast Chicken?

Basic Roast Chicken takes about 100 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 80 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Basic Roast Chicken?

Basic Roast Chicken has approximately 712 calories per serving, with about 112 g protein, 0 g carbohydrates and 80 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Basic Roast Chicken?

The key ingredients for Basic Roast Chicken are Whole Chickens, Kosher Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 lemon, halved, 4 sprigs fresh rosemary. See the full list with measurements above.

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