Juicy Roast Chicken Recipe
This recipe creates a flavorful and moist roast chicken with crispy skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
Cooking Guide:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, thyme sprigs, and garlic cloves.
- Truss (optional): Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine for even cooking (optional). You can find video tutorials for trussing chicken online.
- Season the Exterior: Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and coat it evenly with salt and pepper on all sides.
- Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the chicken in a roasting pan breast-side up. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, then tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil (to prevent excessive browning) and continue roasting for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Carve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for extra flavor and moisture. Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips:
- Patting Dry is Key: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning ensures the skin gets nice and crispy.
- High Heat for Crispy Skin: Starting with a high roasting temperature helps achieve crispy skin.
- Tent for Perfect Moisture: Tenting the chicken with foil during the latter part of roasting prevents the breast from drying out while the legs continue to cook through.
- Temperature is Everything: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Flavor Variations: Stuff the cavity with different herbs like rosemary or sage, or add sliced lemons or oranges for a citrusy twist. You can also brush the chicken with melted butter or a mixture of olive oil and your favorite herbs halfway through roasting for extra flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and juicy roast chicken!
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