Description
Savory herb-infused easy oven roasted chicken recipe brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Tender chicken with crispy skin delivers a delightful meal that you can enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs / 1.8–2.3 kg)
- 3 tbsps olive oil (or melted butter)
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 1 onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tbsps fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
- 1 cup chicken broth (for roasting pan)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
- ½ tsp lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and preheat to a searing 425F (220C). Equip a roasting pan with aluminum foil for optimal heat distribution and easy cleanup.
- Seasoning Technique: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels. Massage olive oil across the entire surface, including under the skin. Create a robust spice blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, and zesty lemon zest. Generously coat the chicken’s exterior with this aromatic mixture.
- Flavor Infusion: Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges, crushed garlic cloves, and an assortment of fresh herbs. Truss the legs using kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and maintain a compact shape. Arrange the chicken breast-side up on the prepared rack and pour chicken broth into the pan base to preserve moisture.
- Roasting Process: Cook uncovered for approximately 75 minutes, vigilantly monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Periodically baste with pan juices to develop a crisp, golden-brown skin that promises rich, caramelized flavor.
- Serving Presentation: Rest the roasted chicken for 10-15 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and intensify the meat’s tenderness. Carve and plate alongside complementary accompaniments such as roasted seasonal vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a vibrant garden salad.
Notes
- Maximize Moisture: Pat chicken completely dry before oiling to ensure crispy skin and prevent steaming, which reduces exterior crispness.
- Spice Distribution Technique: Gently massage seasoning under chicken skin for deeper flavor penetration and more intense taste profile throughout the meat.
- Temperature Precision: Use a reliable meat thermometer to confirm 165F internal temperature, avoiding both undercooking and drying out the chicken.
- Resting Rule: Let chicken rest exactly 10-15 minutes after roasting to allow natural juice redistribution, guaranteeing tender, succulent meat with minimal moisture loss.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg