Craving a comforting, classic meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this old-fashioned roast chicken recipe! Forget complicated techniques and fussy ingredients; this recipe focuses on simple preparation and maximum flavor, resulting in juicy, perfectly roasted chicken that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. This recipe is your go-to for easy recipes and quick dinner ideas.
Ingredients:
- 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, quartered
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin of the breasts for extra flavor.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Cavity
Place lemon quarters, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity. This infuses the chicken with incredible herbaceous aromas.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). For extra crispy skin, you can increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with your favorite sides – roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad all complement this delicious dish perfectly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Roast Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure enough space around the chicken for even browning.
- Basting: For even more flavorful and moist chicken, baste it with pan juices during cooking.
Variations:
- Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like sage, oregano, or marjoram.
- Citrus variations: Use oranges or grapefruits instead of lemon.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the serving size. However, a general estimate for a 4-ounce serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 25-30 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-15 grams
This old-fashioned roast chicken recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals that are easy to prepare. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion, a true cornerstone of home cooking and a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Enjoy!