Looking for an easy, mouthwatering dinner? Learn How to Roast a Chicken for a Simple Weeknight Dinner that’s juicy, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!
I created this recipe because I believe every home cook should have a go-to method for making a wholesome, satisfying meal without stress. Roasting a chicken is perfect for busy weeknights—it’s simple to prep, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a delicious and nourishing dinner the whole family will love. Plus, the leftovers can easily be repurposed into soups, salads, or sandwiches, making it a practical choice for anyone looking to save time and effort in the kitchen. Also, don’t forget to turn those bones into the best homemade broth!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Easy Preparation: This recipe uses easy pantry staples and takes no time at all to prep to get into your oven.
Cost-Effective: A whole chicken is usually very affordable. Plus, you’ll have leftovers that can be used in various dishes throughout the week.
Versatile: Roasted chicken can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of recipes.
Flavorful and Juicy: Roasting a chicken helps retain its natural juices, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. With the right seasoning and techniques, your roasted chicken will be a family favorite.
Ingredient Breakdown
Whole Chicken: The star of the show. Make sure if using a frozen chicken to let it completely de-thaw before prepping and cooking.
Butter (room temperature): Butter brings out a richness and helps crisp the skin of the chicken. Make sure it is room temperature or melted for easy spreading.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and helps to season the meat evenly.
Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic quality.
Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and contributes to the beautiful color of the roasted chicken.
Tools
- Cast-Iron Pan
- Meat Thermometer
How to Roast a Chicken for a Simple Weeknight Dinner
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F. A hot oven helps to crisp up the skin and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Prepare the Chicken
Remove the chicken from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Make sure the skin is nice and dry so it crisps up during cooking.
3. Season the Chicken
Rub the entire surface of the chicken with room-temperature butter. This allows the skin to get nice and crispy. Combine all the herbs and spices in a small bowl then spread them all over the chicken to season.
4. Place the Chicken in the Oven
Place the seasoned chicken in a cast-iron pan or a baking dish. Roast the chicken in your preheated oven for around an hour or 20 minutes for every pound of your chicken.
5. Check for Doneness
Make sure your chicken is fully cooked. You can do this two ways. Use a meat thermometer and check the temperature of your chicken. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink.
6. Rest the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the chicken to be even more tender and flavorful.
Tips for A Perfect Roasted Chicken
- Pat and dry the chicken before seasoning for an extra crispy skin.
- Use softened butter to spread easily over the chicken and allow the seasoning to adhere to your chicken.
- Season your chicken well. This allows you to have a flavorful chicken.
- Always check your chicken to make sure it is cooked to the appropriate temperature.
- Rest your chicken for even more flavor and keep it nice and tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chicken should I use for roasting?
A whole chicken weighing 4-5 pounds is perfect. This size cooks evenly and is ideal for feeding 4-6 people.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken (the breast or thigh). It should read 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Sure! You can season and butter the chicken the night before and store it in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
What should I do with the leftovers?
Leftover chicken is incredibly versatile! Use it for soups, sandwiches, salads, or even tacos. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this delicious chicken with roasted veggies and mashed potatoes, put over a salad for added protein, serve with a side of rice, add to bread for a yummy sandwich.
If you enjoyed this recipe, I’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to leave a 5-star rating below! Be sure to tag me @simplychelseahome on Instagram so I can see your delicious results!
Easy Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Take chicken out of fridge and let it come to room temperature at least 30 minutes before prepping.
- Pre-heat oven to 450℉.
- Pat chicken dry
- Place your chicken in a cast-iron pan. Spread butter all over the chicken and then add your spices to a small bowl mix together and sprinkle over the butter.
- Place your chicken in the oven and bake for 1 hour or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165℉ and the juices run clear.
- Cut up chicken and enjoy.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Make sure to season well for the most flavor.
- Let the chicken rest to distribute juices throughout for a tender chicken.
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