Busy moms are always on the lookout for meals that are comforting, delicious, and easy to make. Whole roasted chicken fits the bill perfectly. This recipe not only fills your home with mouthwatering aromas but also gives you a satisfying meal with minimal effort. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe brings everyone to the table.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Whole roasted chicken is a family favorite for many reasons. First, it requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. This means less time shopping. The cooking process is hands-off once you place it in the oven. You can attend to chores or enjoy some downtime while it roasts.
This dish is wonderfully comforting and kid-friendly. Its crispy skin and juicy meat appeal to all ages. Plus, the leftovers can be transformed into sandwiches, salads, or soups, making it incredibly versatile. Put simply, it’s a meal that gives back, saving time and providing plenty of flavor.
How to Make Whole Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole small chicken (about 4-5lbs cleaned of giblets etc.)
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup room temperature butter
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Rinse and pat dry your chicken and place it in a roasting pan. (I personally stuff my chicken with stuffing but that’s optional.)
- Rub the room temperature butter all over the chicken and then sprinkle the dry seasoning evenly all over and place in the oven.
- Roast for 5 hours, checking the internal temperature to ensure it’s at 160 or higher.
- Tip: Every hour I turn the pan. At the 2-hour mark, I begin to baste the bird with the juices in the pan. I brush the bird softly as well to give it that even brown skin throughout!
Whole Roasted Chicken
A comforting and delicious whole roasted chicken, perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 310 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 whole small chicken (about 4–5 lbs, cleaned of giblets)
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup room temperature butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees.
- Mix all the dry ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
- Rinse and pat dry your chicken and place it in a roasting pan.
- Rub the room temperature butter all over the chicken and sprinkle the dry seasoning evenly.
- Place in the oven and roast for 5 hours, checking that the internal temperature is 160°F or higher.
- Every hour, turn the pan and at the 2-hour mark, begin to baste the chicken with the juices from the pan.
Notes
For added moisture, consider placing lemon or garlic inside the cavity before roasting. Brining the chicken overnight can enhance flavor and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Paleo
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 1500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 54g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
How to Serve
Serve the whole roasted chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. You can carve the juicy meat right at the table for a homestyle experience. Leftover chicken works great in sandwiches with your favorite toppings or tossed into a hearty soup.
How to Store
After your meal, allow any leftover chicken to cool. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different spices to match your family’s taste. Italian herbs or citrus zest can add a unique flavor.
- For added moisture, consider placing a lemon or garlic inside the cavity before roasting.
- If you have time, brining the chicken overnight in a saltwater solution can enhance the flavor and juiciness.
FAQs
Can I roast a frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking. Plan ahead by placing it in the fridge the night before.
What temperature should I cook the chicken to?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is fully cooked.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and season it the night before, then roast it the next day. This can save you time on a busy day.
Conclusion
Whole roasted chicken is a glorious, straightforward meal that every busy mom should try. With minimal prep and the promise of satisfying leftovers, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give this recipe a try today, and feel free to save it for later – your family will thank you!
