Roasting a whole chicken is a delicious and straightforward process that yields a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for any meal. This simple recipe provides basic guidelines on how long to roast a chicken for a moist and tender result.
Simple Roast Chicken Recipe
A straightforward roast chicken recipe, ensuring a perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful bird.
Equipment
- meat rack
- thermometer
- Kitchen twine
Ingredients
- lemon
- olive oil
- salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- thyme
- chicken
Instructions
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Tuck the wing tips under the chicken and tie the legs together with kitchen twine for even cooking. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes per pound, plus an additional 15 minutes. For example, a 4-pound chicken would take approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes (20 minutes x 4 pounds + 15 minutes extra). The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist chicken.
Video
Notes
- Serve the roast chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
- Make a simple gravy using the pan drippings for an extra burst of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 700g
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