Description
This Super Easy Roast Chicken recipe delivers a perfectly roasted, juicy whole chicken with a crispy skin, seasoned simply with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Ideal for a comforting family dinner, it’s straightforward to prepare and yields tender, flavorful meat every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken (packet of giblets removed)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking rack in the lower third of the oven. Bring the chicken to room temperature and pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Position and Oil Chicken: Place the chicken breast side up in an oven-safe pan, such as a cast iron skillet. Truss the legs to promote even cooking. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and use your hands to rub it all over the skin evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken generously with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Pat the seasonings into the skin for good adherence and flavor infusion.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast the chicken in the oven for 70 to 90 minutes. Check the juices to ensure they run clear and verify doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 15 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist and tender.
Notes
- Bringing the chicken to room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents drying out.
- Patting the chicken dry is crucial to achieving crispy skin.
- Trussing the legs helps the chicken maintain its shape and promotes even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfect doneness.
- Resting the chicken before carving ensures juicy meat.
- Adjust seasoning amounts to your taste preference.