whole cooked chicken recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
whole cooked chicken recipe
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The Best whole cooked chicken recipe

I love cooking a whole chicken for my family. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether we’re having a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe never fails to impress. The key to a great whole chicken is to cook it evenly and thoroughly, so I like to use a technique called ‘spatchcocking’ where you remove the backbone and flatten the chicken before roasting it.

This allows the heat to penetrate the meat more evenly and ensures that the chicken is cooked perfectly throughout. I also like to season the chicken generously with herbs and spices, which adds a lot of flavor to the dish.

My kids love when I serve this chicken with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, and it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies! This recipe is also very healthy, as it’s low in calories and high in protein.

I like to serve it with a side salad or some steamed broccoli for a well-rounded meal. Overall, this whole chicken recipe is a staple in our household and never gets old.

Whole Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

Whole Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

4.7 from 809 votes

A classic whole roasted chicken recipe with lemon and herbs. Juicy and flavorful, perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hr 15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
1 lemon
1 head of garlic
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
salt
black pepper
olive oil

For the Pan Sauce

2 cups chicken broth
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 425°F.
2Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, inside and out.
3This step is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
4Remove the giblets from the chicken cavity and discard.
5Place the chicken breast-side up on a cutting board.
6Using kitchen shears, cut along the backbone of the chicken to remove it.
7Flip the chicken over, and press down on the breastbone to flatten it.
8This will help the chicken cook more evenly.
9Season the chicken generously with salt and black pepper, both inside and out.
10Cut the lemon in half, and place the halves inside the chicken cavity along with the garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
11This will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
12Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine to keep the shape intact during cooking.
13Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, and rub it all over the skin to help it crisp up in the oven.
14Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan.
15Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
16After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F, and continue roasting for approximately 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
17Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
18The juices should run clear when the chicken is fully cooked, and the skin should be golden brown and crispy.
19Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist.
20Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
21This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
22While the chicken is resting, make the pan sauce.
23Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat.
24Add the chicken broth, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
25This will add depth of flavor to the sauce.
26In a small bowl, mix together the butter and flour to form a paste.
27Add the paste to the pan, and whisk until the sauce thickens.
28Season with salt and pepper to taste.
29Carve the chicken and serve it with the pan sauce drizzled over the top.
30Enjoy your delicious whole roasted lemon herb chicken with your favorite sides.
31This recipe makes a great centerpiece for a family dinner or special occasion.

🔧Equipment

Roasting pan
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Kitchen twine
Basting brush
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 1g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra crispy skin, place the chicken on a wire rack in the roasting pan. This allows air to circulate underneath, preventing the skin from becoming soggy. You can also add vegetables like potatoes and carrots to the roasting pan to cook alongside the chicken, creating a one-pan meal.

Watch Video Of How Whole Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken Works

This whole chicken recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining guests.

It’s easy to make and can be served with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.

The best part is that it’s very healthy, making it a great option for busy families who want to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

Q: What is spatchcocking?

Spatchcocking is a technique where you remove the backbone of the chicken and flatten it before roasting. This allows the heat to penetrate the meat more evenly and ensures that the chicken is cooked perfectly throughout.

Q: Can I use this recipe for smaller chickens?

Yes, you can use this recipe for smaller chickens such as Cornish game hens or poults. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How do I know if my chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if your chicken is cooked through is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast or thigh. If it reads at least 165°F (74°C), then it’s done.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep this recipe ahead of time by seasoning the chicken and letting it sit in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken?

You can store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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