Roast Chicken Recipe

A juicy, flavorful roast chicken recipe with simple seasonings, crisp skin, and tender meat. Perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

This roast chicken recipe delivers crispy golden skin, juicy meat, and classic savory flavor with just a handful of ingredients. It is an easy, dependable main dish for weeknight dinners, Sunday meals, or festive gatherings. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, about 1.5 to 1.8 kg
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 lemon, cut in half
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200 C. Line a roasting pan or baking dish with the onion wedges.
2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up.
3. Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then season it evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
4. Place the lemon halves and smashed garlic cloves inside the cavity of the chicken.
5. Set the chicken on top of the onion wedges and, if desired, brush the skin with melted butter for extra color.
6. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 74 C in the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving so the juices stay inside the meat.
8. Carve and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.