This Perfect Roast Chicken is a classic, foolproof recipe that delivers tender, juicy meat with a crispy, golden skin. Infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, and roasted with tender vegetables, this dish makes for a beautiful centerpiece at any meal—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this roast chicken is easy to make yet incredibly impressive.
Why You’ll Love This Roast Chicken
Juicy & flavorful – Lemon, garlic, and herbs add deep flavor
Perfectly crispy skin – Butter ensures a golden, crisp finish
Simple & classic – No fancy techniques, just timeless roasting
Versatile & comforting – Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or saladWhat Does This Roast Chicken Taste Like?
This roast chicken is juicy and tender, with a rich, buttery flavor and crispy, well-seasoned skin. The lemon and garlic infuse the meat, while the roasted vegetables soak up the delicious drippings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 whole roasting chicken (5-6 lbs)
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus 20 sprigs
1 lemon, halved
1 head garlic, halved crosswise
2 tablespoons (¼ stick) butter, melted
1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced
4 carrots, cut into 2-inch chunks
1 bulb fennel, tops removed, cut into wedges
Olive oil, for roastingKitchen Tools You’ll Need
Large roasting pan or cast iron skillet
Meat thermometer
Kitchen string (for trussing)
Basting brush
Cutting board & sharp knifeHow to Make Perfect Roast Chicken
- Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Chicken Remove the giblets from the chicken.
Rinse the inside and outside of the chicken, then pat dry with paper towels.
Season the inside cavity with salt and black pepper. - Stuff the Chicken Fill the cavity with:
Fresh thyme bunch
Lemon halves
Halved garlic head - Season the Exterior Brush the outside of the chicken with melted butter.
Sprinkle generously with salt and black pepper.
Tie the legs together with kitchen string and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning. - Prepare the Vegetables In a large roasting pan, toss together:
Onions, carrots, and fennel
Olive oil, salt, and black pepper
20 sprigs of fresh thyme
Spread the vegetables evenly on the bottom of the pan.
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. - Roast the Chicken Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
Bake for 1½ hours, or until:
The juices run clear when cutting between the leg and thigh.
A meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast. - Rest & Serve Transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter.
Cover with foil and let the chicken rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Serve with the roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Best Side Dishes for Roast Chicken
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – A classic, buttery pairing
Garlic Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Adds a crispy, caramelized crunch
Wild Rice Pilaf – A nutty, wholesome side
Homemade Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the juices
Fresh Garden Salad – A refreshing contrast to the rich flavorsPro Tips for the Best Roast Chicken
Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking
Pat the chicken dry for extra crispy skin
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking
Baste once halfway through cooking for extra moisture and flavor
Rest the chicken before slicing to keep the juices insideHow to Store & Reheat
Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Shred the meat and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.Variations & Customizations
Lemon Herb Chicken – Add rosemary, sage, and oregano for more herbal notes
Spicy Roast Chicken – Sprinkle with paprika and cayenne pepper for heat
Garlic Butter Chicken – Mix minced garlic into the butter before brushing
Mediterranean Roast Chicken – Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the vegetablesFrequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works with Cornish hens (adjust cooking time) or a smaller whole chicken.
How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
What if my chicken skin isn’t crispy enough?
Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the last 10 minutes of roasting.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Season and stuff the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, then refrigerate until ready to roast.
Final Thoughts
This Perfect Roast Chicken is a simple yet elegant meal that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. With tender, juicy meat and crispy, golden skin, this recipe is a go-to for any occasion.
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More Classic Dinner Recipes to Try
Herb Butter Roasted Turkey
Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops
Honey Glazed Baked SalmonMake this delicious roast chicken tonight—a comforting, flavorful meal the whole family will love!