Roasted Chicken

This roasted chicken is an easy, delicious recipe that's perfect for impressing without the stress. With crispy skin, a juicy center, and an aroma that fills your home with warmth and comfort, it’s bound to become one of your go-to meals for weeknight dinners or cozy Sunday gatherings. Perfect for sharing with the ones you love most!

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Roasted Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 4 lb (1.8 kg), cleaned and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 4 garlic cloves, peeled
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)

What You’ll Need

• Oven preheated to 425 °F (220 °C)
• Baking tray with rack
• Paper towels
• Basting brush
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

See 5 variations of the recipe at the end.

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Let’s get started! Set your oven to 425 °F (220 °C). That high initial heat is what helps give the chicken a beautifully crispy skin while keeping it juicy on the inside.
2. Dry the chicken: Don’t skip this step! Use paper towels to pat the chicken dry, inside and out. This helps it roast up with that golden, crisp finish we all love.
3. Mix the spices: In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme. This simple but bold mix gives the chicken that deep, craveable flavor.
4. Brush with oil: Place the chicken on a rack over your baking tray. Use a basting brush to coat the entire surface with olive oil—don’t forget the wings and thighs.

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5. Season generously: Time to add flavor! Sprinkle the spice mix all over the chicken. Use your hands to gently massage it in, making sure it sticks. If you can, tuck some seasoning under the skin of the breasts and thighs for even more flavor.
6. Stuff the cavity: Fill the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, garlic cloves, and rosemary if you’re using it. This adds a subtle, delicious aroma and taste from the inside out.
7. Roast: Now it’s oven time! Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165 °F (74 °C). A meat thermometer really helps here.
8. Let it rest: You made it! Take the chicken out of the oven and loosely cover it with foil. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving to keep it juicy and flavorful. Enjoy!

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken thighs or drumsticks: If you don’t have a whole chicken, go ahead and use thighs or drumsticks—they turn out delicious! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
• Dried rosemary: If you’re out of fresh rosemary, dried works great. Just use half the amount since it’s more concentrated.
• Lemon alternative: You can swap the lemon for apple cider vinegar or even a splash of orange juice to keep that bright acidity.
• Garlic powder: No fresh garlic? No problem. Use garlic powder—about 1/4 teaspoon per clove as a rough estimate.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the chicken dry: This step is key! Use paper towels to remove all moisture from the skin. That’s what gives you that crispy golden crust.
• Let it sit before baking: Once you take the chicken out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
• Use a meat thermometer: To make sure it’s cooked through (but not overcooked), check that the thickest part of the thigh or breast hits 165°F (74°C).
• Rest after baking: Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This keeps all those delicious juices locked in.

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Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Sugars: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g

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Nutritional Benefits

This recipe delivers high-quality protein from the chicken—perfect for building muscle, supporting tissue repair, and fueling your body’s natural processes. The garlic and lemon do more than add flavor; they bring antioxidants and vitamin C to help boost your immune system. The olive oil offers heart-healthy fats, while spices like thyme and paprika add anti-inflammatory properties. It’s a tasty, feel-good meal that supports a balanced lifestyle.

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Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days without an issue.
• Reheating in the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the chicken with foil, and reheat for 10–15 minutes.
• Reheating in the microwave: This is quicker, but just know the skin won’t be crispy. Best for small portions.

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Recipe Inspiration

Roasted chicken is one of those dishes that feels like home. The smell alone can bring back memories of Sundays with family. It’s a recipe that’s traveled across generations, adapting to what’s in the pantry and the style of each household. In many cultures, roasting a whole chicken is a simple but meaningful way to celebrate togetherness and good food.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair your roasted chicken with classic buttery garlic mashed potatoes.
• Try a fresh spinach and strawberry salad for a refreshing side.
• Almond and raisin rice makes a great savory-sweet combo.
• Serve with ginger mint lemonade for a bright, zesty drink.
• Finish the meal with apple pie and a scoop of vanilla ice cream—perfection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use just chicken breasts? Yes, but keep in mind they tend to come out drier. Thighs are better for flavor and juiciness.
• How long does a 4 lb (1.8 kg) chicken take to cook? About 1 hour and 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), but using a thermometer is always a good idea.

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• Can I marinate it the night before? Absolutely—and honestly, it’s even better that way! It helps intensify the flavors.
• How do I prevent the skin from burning? If it’s browning too fast, just cover the chicken with foil partway through the baking time.
• Can I make this in an air fryer? Yes! Just cut the chicken into pieces and adjust the time and temperature depending on their size.

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Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean style: Add black olives, cherry tomatoes, and oregano for a fresh, vibrant twist.
• Mexican style: For spice lovers, season with chili powder and cumin, and serve with warm corn tortillas.
• Honey mustard chicken: Oh, this one’s a treat! Mix Dijon mustard with honey and brush it over the chicken before roasting for a sweet and savory glaze.

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• Provençal chicken: Go for French vibes with herbs like thyme, tarragon, and lavender for an aromatic experience.
• Lemon rosemary skillet chicken: A quicker version! Cook just the thighs in a skillet with the same marinade—it’s fast and still full of flavor.

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Alright then, now you know how to make a delicious roasted chicken step by step—simple, stress-free, and seriously tasty! I really hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do. It’s an easy recipe, but full of flavor, perfect for sharing with the people you love most. Happy cooking!

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