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The Best Oven Roasted Whole Chicken for Crispy Skin and Juicy Meat

A beautifully roasted whole chicken with dark, seasoned, crispy skin resting on a white plate.
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You can make a truly delicious whole chicken with this simple oven roasting guide. This recipe focuses on achieving perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat every time you cook a whole bird.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the whole chicken from its packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire surface of the chicken very dry with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
  3. Rub the olive oil all over the exterior of the chicken. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the skin, rubbing it in gently.
  4. Place the lemon halves and rosemary sprigs inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Place the seasoned whole chicken on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan, or directly in a large oven-safe skillet. Position the chicken breast-side up.
  6. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Roast for 15 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to start crisping the skin.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue roasting for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (avoiding the bone) reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Notes

  • For extra crispy skin, you can lightly salt the chicken and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator for 4 to 24 hours before roasting.
  • If you prefer a different cooking method, this seasoning works well for an air fryer whole chicken or slow cooker whole chicken, though cooking times will change significantly.
  • Use the pan drippings to make a simple gravy for your family dinner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenican.com/whole-chicken-juicy-roast-recipe/