Roasted chicken is one of the most basic meats to make, yet everyone once in a while always will encounter and issue with this dish. Whether the chicken finishes undercooked, overcooked, dry, under seasoned, salty or more. The perfect Roasted Whole Chicken remain elusive to many. Well, we’re here to help. Juicy, Moist and Tender Roasted Whole Chicken is the recipe that’ll fix all your mistakes, with just a few minor tweaks.
Why We Love Roasted Chicken
There’s some dishes that remind you of home. A dish that’s so simple, yet fulling. Roast beef fits the same category. What both dishes have in common is while they are both low effort, they require he right amount of preparation, along with ingredients and technique to create a beautiful result the whole family will enjoy. Roasted Whole Chicken can be enjoyed all year round.
Majestically Moist, Roasted Chicken
There’s something magical about a perfectly roasted whole chicken. The lightly charred crispy skin, the juicy meat, and the aroma that fills the kitchen as it cooks – it’s no wonder why so many people love this classic dish. But what’s the secret to achieving that moist, flavorful chicken? Here’s some tips to elevate your next roasted chicken:
Choosing the Right Chicken
The first step to creating a mouthwatering roasted chicken is selecting the right bird. Look for a fresh, plump chicken with smooth, unblemished skin. Whether you opt for a free-range, organic chicken or a regular supermarket bird, make sure it’s the right size for your needs. A 3-5 pound chicken is ideal for serving a family of four, while a larger bird may be necessary for a bigger gathering.
Prep The Bird
Once you’ve brought your chicken home, it’s time to prepare it for roasting. Start by removing any giblets from the cavity and patting the chicken dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin – moisture is the enemy of a good roast! Next, season the bird generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out. You can also get creative with your seasonings, adding herbs like thyme, or rosemary, for extra flavor.
Seasoning Is Key
The key to a flavorful roasted chicken lies in the seasoning. Chicken, unlike meat lacks flavor, which makes it one of the more versatile meats. A simple, yet effective combination of salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs and spices can work wonders. You can’t go wrong. Whether you prefer classic rosemary and thyme or a more adventurous blend of paprika and cumin, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. It’s your chicken.
Trussing for Even Cooking
Trussing– or tying up – the chicken is an important, yet optional step. Most professional use this method, but we find it really doesn’t effect any major part of roasting the chicken. Trussing involves securing the wings and legs close to the body of the chicken with twine. Many claim it ensure even cooking. For this recipe, trussing is very optional. To professionals, trussing helps the chicken retain its shape, but it also promotes uniform doneness, resulting in juicy meat throughout. Basically for aesthetic purposes, trussing is commonly used.
The Art of Roasting
Now that your chicken is prepped and ready, it’s time to roast it to perfection. Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the chicken in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet, covered. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding aromatics like onions, garlic, carrots and lemon to the pan. Roast the chicken for approximately 20 minutes per pound. A meat thermometer will always be your friend. Now the fun part that gets it really juicy. Basting a chicken.
Basting
Basting is an essential step in achieving a moist and flavorful roasted chicken. Not only does it help keep the meat juicy, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor as the natural juices mingle with the seasonings. To baste your chicken, simply use a baster or a spoon, or even a heat-proof cup to drizzle the pan juices over the bird every 20-30 minutes during the roasting process. This simple technique can make a world of difference in the final outcome. As you’ll see with this recipe, we’ll baste until the chicken is completely cooked and golden brown.
Now, We Begin!
Juicy, Moist And Tender Roasted Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 4-5 lbs. whole chicken
- 1½ tbsp. sea salt
- 1½ tbsp. knoll chicken season
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- 3 tbsp. garlic powder
- 3 tbsp. black pepper
- 1½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- 1½ tsp. ginger powder
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 113 g butter cold and cubed; salted or unsalted
- 10 sprigs thyme
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375° F. Clean chicken thoroughly.
- Salt the chicken, and let sit for at least 5-10 minutes.
- Season Chicken all over (under skin as well). Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Place half of butter under the skin of each side of breast right before you plan to bake chicken.
- Cook for 1 hour tightly covered. Remove chicken from oven.
- Raise oven temperature to 425° F, while basing chicken.
- Base chicken breast, leg and wing twice with the juices from the pan. Place back in oven at 425 ℉, uncovered, for 20 minute intervals, and repeat this step again at least 3 times.
- After basing and cooking 3 times, check temperature. If the inner chicken of the thickest part hasn't reached 165°F, place back in oven and repeat the last step until it reaches its preferred temperature. Skin should be golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 15 minutes covered.
- Serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
How Was It?!
Isn’t this chicken absolutely delicious? We hope you savor every delightful bite. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the recipe—try out different techniques and seasonings to elevate the flavor even further. Have you ever thought about using creole butter? And what about wet brining? This technique can really enhance the moisture and flavor of the chicken.
Roasted Whole Chicken is a dish that never fails to bring joy to the entire family. It’s one of those classic home-cooked meals that stands the test of time, just like our other favorite, roast beef. The combination of crispy skin and thick, juicy meat makes this chicken utterly irresistible. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it’s roasting is enough to make anyone’s mouth water!
Not only is it a comforting meal, but it also has a special place in family gatherings and celebrations. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms the heart and creates lasting memories around the dinner table. And the best part? Children absolutely love it! A huge plus! Watching them enjoy this dish brings a smile to everyone’s face. So gather your loved ones, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Now that we have our main dish, why not add a delicious, yet healthy side dish, with Seared Oven-Roasted Brussel Sprouts. If you love a great roasted veggie, these Seared Oven-Roasted Brussel Sprouts are perfect!