Roasted chicken is a classic dish loved by many. Here’s a simple yet delicious recipe for you:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Optional: Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions for roasting alongside the chicken
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity if they’re included.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin to crisp up while roasting.
- Place the chicken on a cutting board, breast side up. Tuck the wings behind the back and tie the legs together with kitchen twine, if desired, for more even cooking.
- Season the Chicken:
- Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper, both inside the cavity and on the outside.
- Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken, then place them inside the cavity along with the garlic, rosemary, and thyme. This adds wonderful flavor to the chicken as it roasts.
- Optional: Add Vegetables:
- If you’re roasting vegetables alongside the chicken, chop them into chunks and toss them with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan.
- Roast the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or baking dish. If you’re using vegetables, arrange them around the chicken.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh with a knife, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier chicken.
- Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious roasted chicken!
Feel free to adjust the seasonings and herbs according to your taste preferences. This recipe is versatile, so you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature roasted chicken.
