Simple Roast Chicken Recipe

Mak Erot

2 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Simple Roast Chicken Recipe: A Deliciously Easy Weeknight Meal

This simple roast chicken recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and results in a juicy and flavorful chicken every time. This recipe is optimized for search engines, focusing on relevant keywords and semantic variations to improve organic search rankings.

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 1 (3-4 pound) whole chicken: Look for a chicken with good skin color and plumpness.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Kosher salt is preferred, but table salt works too. Adjust to your taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper is always best.
• 1 lemon: Halved, for added flavor and juiciness.
• Fresh herbs (optional): Rosemary, thyme, or sage sprigs add a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly.
2. Pat the chicken dry: Using paper towels, thoroughly dry the chicken inside and out. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
3. Season generously: Rub the olive oil all over the chicken. Then, generously season the chicken inside and out with salt and pepper. Don't be shy with the seasoning!
4. Stuff the cavity (optional): Place the lemon halves and fresh herbs (if using) inside the chicken cavity.

Roasting the Chicken:

1. Place in a roasting pan: Place the chicken in a roasting pan or baking dish.
2. Roast: Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken.
3. Rest: 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.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Chicken:

• Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space around the chicken for even browning.
• Baste occasionally: For extra crispy skin, baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through.
• Let it rest: This crucial step prevents dry, tough chicken.
• Leftovers are great! Use leftover chicken in salads, soups, or sandwiches.

Serving Suggestions:

This simple roast chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with:

• Roasted vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, and broccoli are classic choices.
• Simple salad: A green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken.
• Gravy: Make a delicious gravy using the pan drippings.

This simple roast chicken recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that's sure to become a weeknight staple. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations on social media using #SimpleRoastChicken. Happy cooking!