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Foolproof Whole Roasted Chicken with Crispy Skin

A beautifully roasted whole chicken with golden-brown, herb-crusted skin resting on a white plate.
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Make a classic, juicy whole roasted chicken with perfectly crispy skin using this simple, reliable oven method. This recipe is ideal for a weeknight dinner or Sunday centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dried herbs (like thyme, rosemary, and oregano mix)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 head garlic, top sliced off
  • 1 medium yellow onion, quartered

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the whole chicken from its packaging and take out any giblets from the cavity. Pat the chicken completely dry, inside and out, using paper towels. Drying the skin is key for crispiness.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper to create an herb butter.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts and thighs. Rub about half of the herb butter directly onto the meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Place the lemon halves and garlic head inside the chicken cavity. Add the onion quarters around the chicken in the roasting pan.
  5. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or a large cast-iron skillet.
  6. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes to start crisping the skin.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue roasting for another 50 to 70 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (not touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can substitute the butter rub with mayonnaise; it browns beautifully and keeps the meat moist.
  • If you are looking for alternatives to traditional cooking, consider using a sous-vide precision cooker for the initial cooking phase before a quick oven finish.
  • This recipe is a great foundation for meal planning and can replace the need for some meal delivery companies if you prep ahead.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/easy-whole-chicken-recipe-juicy-crispy-skin/