Basic Roasted Chicken Recipe

Unlock the secrets to perfectly roasted chicken, ideal for soups, tacos, salads, and more! This simple recipe yields juicy, flavorful meat and a carcass perfect for making rich homemade stock. Learn how to roast a chicken to perfection with this easy-to-follow guide.

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 105 mins
Calories 1004.3 kcal
Protein 170g
Rating 5.0 (1 Reviews)
Basic Roasted Chicken 35

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Basic Roasted Chicken

  • Free Range Chicken
  • 1 lemon
  • Garlic Cloves
  • Sea Salt
  • Cracked Black Pepper
  • Canola Oil
  • Yellow Onion

How to Make Basic Roasted Chicken

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Allow chicken to come to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes).
  3. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets.
  4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine.
  5. Layer 1 large onion, thinly sliced, in the bottom of a shallow roasting pan.
  6. Sprinkle chicken generously with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper inside and out.
  7. Stuff the cavity with 1 lemon, halved, and 4 cloves garlic, peeled.
  8. Massage 2 tablespoons canola oil or melted butter all over the chicken.
  9. Roast in the middle rack of oven for 75-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C) and the skin is golden brown.
  10. Let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
  11. Shred the chicken meat with two forks and set aside for your culinary creations!

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

85 g

Sugar

5g

Fat

98g

Carbs

1g