Golden Juicy Whole Roasted (Printer-Friendly)
Tender whole chicken seasoned with herbs, garlic, and lemon, featuring crispy skin and easy preparation.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 -
1 whole chicken, 5 lb
→ Vegetables
02 -
5 whole carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
03 -
5 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
04 -
1 large onion, peeled and cut into 4-6 wedges
05 -
1 whole garlic bulb, halved
06 -
1 lemon, halved
→ Herbs
07 -
4-5 sprigs fresh thyme
08 -
4-5 sprigs fresh oregano
→ Fats and Oils
09 -
4 tbsp olive oil
10 -
6 tbsp salted butter, softened
→ Seasonings
11 -
1 ½ tbsp kosher salt
12 -
2 tsp coarse ground black pepper
→ Garnish (optional)
13 -
Finely chopped parsley
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 425°F and position rack in the center. Remove the chicken from packaging and discard giblets. Allow chicken to rest at room temperature while preparing vegetables.
02 -
Place carrots, celery, onion, half the garlic bulb, and half the oregano sprigs in a roasting pan. Squeeze half a lemon over the vegetables and drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to combine evenly.
03 -
Position the chicken breast side up on the vegetables. Gently loosen the skin and spread 4 tablespoons of softened butter under the skin evenly. Spread remaining 2 tablespoons butter on top of the skin. Sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons kosher salt and 2 teaspoons black pepper over the entire chicken, including the cavity.
04 -
Drizzle remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over and inside the cavity. Insert remaining thyme, oregano, half garlic bulb, and remaining lemon half into the cavity. Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wings under if desired.
05 -
Roast chicken in the oven for 60 minutes without opening the door. If the skin browns early but chicken is not cooked through, lightly tent with foil. If pale, continue roasting uncovered.
06 -
Roast an additional 15 minutes. Check the internal temperature at the thickest breast; if it reaches 165°F, remove from oven. If not, continue roasting in 10-15 minute increments until done.
07 -
Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Optionally garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve alongside preferred roasted vegetable sides.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Tying (trussing) the chicken helps ensure even cooking but can be omitted if uncomfortable.