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Foolproof Lemon Herb Whole Roasted Chicken with Crispy Skin

A perfectly roasted whole chicken with golden-brown, herb-crusted skin resting on a white plate.
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Learn how to roast a whole chicken in the oven for incredibly juicy meat and shatteringly crisp, golden skin. This easy recipe is perfect for a Sunday dinner or any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large lemon, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the whole chicken from its packaging and remove any giblets from the cavity. Pat the entire chicken dry, inside and out, with paper towels. This step is key for crispy skin.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika until combined.
  3. Gently loosen the skin over the chicken breasts using your fingers. Rub half of the herb butter mixture directly onto the breast meat under the skin. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken skin.
  4. Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic, rosemary, and thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity.
  5. Place the whole chicken on a roasting rack set inside a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet.
  6. Roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C) to start crisping the skin.
  7. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for another 50 to 70 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching bone) reads 165°F (74°C).
  8. Once cooked, 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 place the chicken in the refrigerator uncovered for several hours or overnight after seasoning.
  • If you are interested in meal planning for the week, this chicken is excellent for leftovers and pairs well with many side dishes.
  • If you are looking for other cooking methods, check out our Instant Pot Whole Chicken recipe.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/easy-whole-chicken-roast-crispy-skin/