- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Chicken:
- Remove giblets from the chicken cavity, if any. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Truss the chicken if desired (tying the legs together with kitchen twine).
- Season Chicken:
- Season the entire chicken, inside and out, with salt and black pepper.
- Create Spice Rub:
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and dried sage.
- Rub with Spice Mixture:
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil:
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in.
- Place Lemon Slices:
- Place lemon slices under the skin of the chicken and a few inside the cavity. This adds flavor and keeps the meat moist.
- Roast in the Oven:
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Let the roasted chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite side dishes.
- Enjoy:
- Enjoy your delicious oven-roasted chicken!
This recipe yields a flavorful and juicy roasted chicken with a beautiful crispy skin. You can customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.