Juicy Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken (approximately 4-5 pounds)
- 2 Tbsp Olive oil
- 2 Tbsp Salt
- 1 Tbsp Black pepper
- 1 Tbsp Garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp Paprika
- 1 Tbsp Dried herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)
- Optional: Lemon or onion slices, fresh herbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the giblets from the cavity of the chicken, if included. Rinse the chicken inside and out with cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dried herbs to create a seasoning blend.
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken, making sure to cover all surfaces, including the cavity. Massage the seasoning into the skin for better flavor.
- If desired, stuff the cavity with lemon or onion slices and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. This will add extra flavor and aroma to the chicken.
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan. This helps elevate the chicken and allows the heat to circulate evenly for better browning.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C). Check the temperature using a meat thermometer.
- If the chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in juicier meat.
- Carve the chicken and serve it hot, accompanied by your favorite sides.
Notes
Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken and the accuracy of your oven. It's always recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. Feel free to add additional herbs or spices to the seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences.