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Golden-brown whole roasted chicken recipe served on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes, with a lemon slice and books in the background for a cozy dining setup.

The Best Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe

A succulent whole roasted chicken, herb-infused and butter-massaged, featuring crispy skin and juicy meat, roasted to golden perfection with fresh thyme, rosemary, and aromatic vegetables.
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Whole Roasted Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 400kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • Roasting pan with rack
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen twine
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Paper Towels

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken 4-5 lbs
  • 3 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon
  • 1 head garlic
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 1 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  • Remove chicken from fridge 1 hour before cooking
  • Preheat oven to 425°F
  • Pat chicken dry, remove giblets
  • Mix butter with salt and pepper
  • Massage butter under skin
  • Season exterior with oil, salt, pepper
  • Stuff cavity with lemon, garlic, herbs
  • Truss chicken, place on rack over vegetables
  • Roast, basting every 30 minutes
  • Cook until internal temp reaches 165°F
  • Rest 15-20 minutes before carving

Notes

 
  • Prefer fresh, organic whole chicken
  • Look for plump, firm bird with no discoloration 
  • Free-range chickens often have better flavor
  • Refrigerate raw chicken immediately
  • Use within 1-2 days of purchase
  • Prepare butter mixture night before
 

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 600mg