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Classic Roast Chicken Recipe

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A comforting and reliable roast chicken recipe with crispy skin and juicy meat, perfect for cozy family dinners and easy weeknight meals.

Ingredients

  • Whole chicken (about 4 to 5 pounds / 1.8 to 2.3 kg)
  • Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons / 60 grams), softened
  • Fresh rosemary (2-3 sprigs), chopped
  • Garlic cloves (4-5), minced
  • Lemon (1), zested and halved
  • Salt (2 teaspoons), freshly ground
  • Black pepper (1 teaspoon), freshly ground
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
  • Onion (1 medium), quartered
  • Carrots (2 large), peeled and cut into chunks
  • Chicken broth (1 cup / 240 ml)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Remove any giblets from the chicken and pat it dry with paper towels inside and out.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. Gently slide your fingers under the chicken skin on the breast and thighs without tearing it. Spread about two-thirds of the herb butter mixture under the skin, directly on the meat.
  5. Spread the remaining butter mixture over the skin, then drizzle olive oil on top and rub it all over for even coverage.
  6. Place the lemon halves and a few rosemary sprigs inside the chicken’s cavity.
  7. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together.
  8. Place quartered onions and carrot chunks in the roasting pan to create a natural rack and add flavor.
  9. Place the chicken breast-side up on the vegetable bed or rack in the roasting pan. Pour chicken broth into the pan.
  10. Roast the chicken for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 45-60 minutes more, until the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Halfway through roasting, baste the chicken once or twice with pan juices.
  12. Remove the chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before applying butter is key for crispy skin. Let the chicken come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking. Rest the chicken after roasting to lock in juices. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. If skin is not crispy enough, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.

Nutrition

Keywords: roast chicken, classic chicken recipe, crispy chicken skin, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food, herb butter chicken

Find it online: https://nadinetable.com/classic-roast-chicken-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-cozy-grandma-dinners/