Easy Crispy Roast Chicken Recipe
🍗 Easy Crispy Roast Chicken Recipe
This crispy roast chicken is simple to make and packed with flavor. With golden, crunchy skin and juicy meat, it’s the perfect meal for any night of the week!
- 🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
- ½ tsp dried rosemary (or fresh)
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 small onion, cut into quarters
- 1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
🧰 You’ll Need
- Roasting pan (with rack if possible)
- Paper towels
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful)
- Kitchen twine (optional, for tying the legs)
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove any giblets from inside the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (inside and out) — this is key for crispy skin!
2. Season It
- Rub the whole chicken with olive oil or butter.
- Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary all over the chicken — even inside the cavity.
- Stuff the inside of the chicken with the lemon halves, garlic cloves, and onion pieces. Add herb sprigs if you have them.
3. Tie the Legs (Optional)
- If you like, tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. It helps the bird cook evenly and look neat.
4. Roast It
- Place chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Roast for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (20 minutes per pound), or until the thickest part of the thigh hits 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
- Optional: Baste once or twice with the juices in the pan, but skip this if you want extra-crispy skin.
5. Let It Rest
- After roasting, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before carving. This keeps it juicy.
6. Carve & Serve
- Slice the chicken and serve with your favorite sides — like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
🌟 Tips for Best Results
- For crispier skin: Make sure the chicken is very dry before seasoning and do not cover it while roasting.
- No roasting rack? Place chicken on a bed of chopped carrots, onions, or celery instead.
- Want more flavor? Dry-brine the chicken the night before (rub with salt and refrigerate uncovered overnight).