- Place the chicken in the roasting pan. Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack inside a roasting pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can place the chicken directly in the pan, but the rack helps air circulate around the chicken for even cooking.
- Add the aromatics and vegetables. Scatter the quartered onion and any vegetables you want to roast (carrots, potatoes, parsnips, etc.) around the chicken in the pan. Add a few sprigs of thyme or rosemary for added fragrance. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist while roasting and to create a flavorful base for a gravy later.
- Roast the chicken. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with the pan juices every 30 minutes to keep it moist and add flavor to the skin.
- Crisping the skin. For extra crispy skin, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) during the last 10-15 minutes of roasting. Keep an eye on it to ensure the skin doesn’t burn.
Stage 3: Resting and Carving
- Rest the chicken. Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Carve the chicken. After resting, carve the chicken by removing the legs and thighs first, followed by the wings, and finally slicing the breast. Serve the chicken with the roasted vegetables and pan juices, or make a gravy by whisking the pan juices with a bit of flour or cornstarch.
Stage 4: Serving the Best Chicken Roast Ever
Serve the roast chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, a green salad, or steamed vegetables. Spoon the pan juices over the chicken or make a simple gravy using the roasting liquid for an extra boost of flavor.
Tips for the Best Chicken Roast Ever:
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is key to ensuring that the chicken is perfectly cooked without being overdone. The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C).
- Rest the chicken: Don’t skip the resting time! It may seem like a small step, but it’s essential for juicy meat.
- Crisp the skin: Make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before roasting. The less moisture on the skin, the crisper it will get.
- Stuff with aromatics: The lemon, garlic, and herbs add moisture and flavor from the inside out, infusing the chicken with wonderful aromas and subtle tastes.
Final Thoughts:
This Best Chicken Roast Ever recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s simple to make, yet full of deep flavors that will have everyone raving. The combination of crispy skin, tender meat, and savory aromatics makes it the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a special occasion, this roast chicken will be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!