Basic roast chicken

Discover the perfect recipe for a simple and succulent roast chicken with just three ingredients. This easy-to-follow guide features a whole 3 lb chicken, fresh lemon, and a touch of olive oil for a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions!

  • 28 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 70 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 3 Ingredients

Basic roast chicken

Roasting a whole chicken is a fundamental skill that every home cook should master. Not only is it simple, but it also yields a deliciously juicy and flavorful bird that can be the centerpiece of any meal. Using minimal ingredients, this basic roast chicken recipe ensures a succulent and tasty result every time.

Ingredients:

3 lb whole chicken
1360g
1 lemon
110g
2 tsp olive oil
9g

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Preparation:
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This ensures more even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help crisp up the skin.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or on a roasting rack for better air circulation and even cooking.
3. Season the Chicken:
- Generously season the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Insert the halved lemon into the cavity. This will infuse the chicken with a slight citrus flavor and keep it moist.
- Optionally, you can add fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the cavity for additional flavor.
4. Apply Olive Oil:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the entire chicken. Use your hands to spread it evenly over the skin. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully.
- Season the entire outside of the chicken generously with salt and pepper.
5. Truss the Chicken (optional):
- If desired, use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. This helps the chicken cook more evenly.
6. Roasting:
- Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. You can check the temperature by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone.
7. Resting:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
8. Carving and Serving:
- Carve the chicken by cutting off the legs first, then the wings, and finally slicing the breast meat. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips:

- Ensure the chicken is fully thawed and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning; this helps achieve crispy skin.

- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for even cooking.

- Season the chicken cavity with salt, pepper, and a few lemon wedges for extra flavor.

- Brush the chicken with olive oil and season the skin with salt and pepper.

- Roast the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan to allow air to circulate and help render out fat.

- Cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 20 minutes per pound. Baste occasionally with the pan juices for extra moisture.

- Let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes after roasting to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier bird.

With this basic roast chicken recipe, you can easily prepare a delightful and satisfying meal. The combination of lemon, olive oil, and perfectly roasted chicken creates a dish that's both classic and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy your culinary creation with sides of your choice for a well-rounded meal.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size370 grams
Energy
Calories 1030kcal51%
Protein
Protein 90g59%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 2.52g1%
Fiber 0.76g2%
Sugar 0.68g1%
Fat
Fat 77g87%
Saturated 20g67%
Cholesterol 300mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 360ug40%
Choline 210mg39%
Vitamin B1 0.22mg18%
Vitamin B2 0.67mg51%
Vitamin B3 22mg143%
Vitamin B6 0.94mg55%
Vitamin B9 24ug6%
Vitamin B12 0.92ug38%
Vitamin C 14mg16%
Vitamin E 0.96mg6%
Vitamin K 16ug14%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 80mg6%
Copper, Cu 0.27mg30%
Iron, Fe 4.99mg45%
Magnesium, Mg 70mg17%
Phosphorus, P 530mg42%
Potassium, K 750mg22%
Selenium, Se 80ug139%
Sodium, Na 300mg20%
Zinc, Zn 8mg70%
Water
Water 210g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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