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Easy Roast Chicken

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Easy Roast Chicken is a simple, flavorful recipe that yields crispy skin and juicy, tender meat with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals, it’s a classic comfort dish made with basic ingredients and loads of flavor.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken (3–4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves (optional, for stuffing)
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley (optional, for stuffing or garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Remove the giblets from the chicken, if included. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  3. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil or melted butter.
  4. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
  5. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs if using.
  6. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet.
  7. Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Use butter instead of oil for a richer flavor.
  • Add root vegetables underneath the chicken to roast in the drippings.
  • Swap herbs and spices for Cajun, lemon pepper, or curry blends.
  • Roast larger chickens by adding 20 minutes per additional pound.
  • Save the carcass for making homemade chicken broth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/easy-roast-chicken/