Perfect Roast Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Roast chicken is a timeless classic that delivers crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat with minimal effort. This simple recipe highlights how a high-temperature start creates a golden crust, while finishing at a lower heat ensures perfect tenderness.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 3 to 4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Place a cast-iron skillet on a low rack in the oven and preheat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: When the oven and skillet are hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet, breast side up. Roast for 15 minutes, then lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 3: Continue roasting until the chicken is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads between 155 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Step 4: Tilt the pan to let the juices from the chicken’s cavity drain into the skillet. Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before carving and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, place aromatics like garlic cloves, lemon halves, or fresh herbs inside the chicken cavity before roasting.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked but not overdone—this keeps the meat juicy.
- To make the skin even crispier, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before applying olive oil and seasoning.
Storage
Store leftover roast chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid drying out the meat, or microwave covered until warmed through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pan instead of cast iron?
Yes, you can use any oven-safe roasting pan or skillet, but cast iron retains heat best and helps achieve a crispier skin.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read between 155 and 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
PrintPerfect Roast Chicken Recipe
This classic roast chicken recipe features a whole chicken seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roasted in a hot oven using a cast-iron skillet. The high initial heat ensures crispy, golden skin, while lowering the temperature ensures the meat cooks evenly and stays juicy. It’s a straightforward and delicious method to prepare a flavorful roast chicken perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Roast Chicken Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 3 to 4 pounds, trimmed of excess fat
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Place a cast-iron skillet on the lower rack of your oven and preheat it to 500°F (260°C). While the oven is heating, rub the entire chicken with olive oil and generously season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and help create crispy skin.
- Initial Roasting: When the oven and skillet are hot, carefully place the chicken into the skillet breast side up. Roast it at 500°F for 15 minutes to start browning the skin and locking in juices.
- Lower Oven Temperature and Continue Roasting: After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue roasting the chicken until it is a beautiful golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads between 155°F and 165°F, ensuring the meat is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest and Serve: Tilt the pan to allow the flavorful juices from the chicken’s cavity to drip into the pan. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute for moist, tender meat. Then carve and serve.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness instead of relying solely on cooking time.
- Resting the chicken after roasting helps keep it juicy and tender.
- You can add aromatics like garlic cloves or fresh herbs inside the cavity for extra flavor if desired.
- Be careful when handling the hot skillet to avoid burns.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to your taste preferences.
Keywords: roast chicken, oven roasted chicken, whole chicken recipe, crispy roast chicken, easy dinner, simple roast chicken
