Crispy Roasted Chicken. An incredible roasted chicken is something I think everyone should know how to make. There is absolutely no reason to be intimidated by it either. It's one of the most simple things that will come out of your kitchen. And, not only is it great for one meal, but you can make several recipes with the leftovers and the remaining bones can be turned into a fantastic bone broth.
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This recipe for my crispy roasted chicken is super easy. That said, there is nothing in the recipe that isn't a pantry staple or something not easily found at any grocery store. Chicken, lemons, garlic, onion, and your favorite seasoning is basically all you'll need.
Also, something I have worked on the past few years is a focus on whole food cooking. This roasted chicken recipe is the prime example of that. The simpler the ingredients, the healthier the result. There is no reason to complicate anything or include hard-to-find ingredients. We have enough going on in our hectic lives as it is, amiright?!
Brining
Moving on, I do recommend starting this crispy roasted chicken process with a brine. It's not necessary, but the end result is a truly incredible roasted chicken vs. a boring bawk-bawk. Basically, a brine is a salt/seasoning bath for your chicken that helps to season and create a juicier bird. Mine takes about 3 minutes to prepare. Then, store the bird and brine in the fridge for 8-48 hours. That's it.
This step makes world of difference for this crispy roasted chicken and could easily be done before you leave for work in the morning. When you get home, you have a perfectly prepped chicken ready for the next step!
Chicken Prep
After your chicken has brined, it only takes an additional 10 minutes to get it ready for the oven and one step closer to the most wonderful skillet roasted chicken. Thick slices of onion, halved lemons and a halved head of garlic line the roasting pan and create bed for the chicken. This is what will create the most amazing, delectable sauce. The onions, lemon, and garlic caramelize. The sauce thickens and becomes slightly sticky. Roasted chicken perfection with a decadent built in sauce is the end result and an absolute must-try.
ingredients
- Whole Chicken - make sure to remove any gizzards or innards.
- Avocado Oil - to help make the skin nice and crispy.
- Lemon - becomes caramelized and wonderful.
- Garlic - I cannot put into words how this transforms. It's amazing.
- Onion - Creates a perfect bed for the chicken.
- Kosher Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper
how to make crispy roasted chicken
To make the most amazing crispy roasted chicken, simply start with the brine.
Mix salt and seasoning in warm water to dissolve. Add ice to chill water. Place chicken in brine. Add water to cover bird. Cover container with a lid and store in fridge minimum of 8 hours and to a maximum of 48 hours.
After the bird has brined, coat the roasting pan with avocado oil (This prevents any sticking).
Next, place the halves of lemon and the garlic head, flesh side down on to roasting pan. Arrange the onion rings to fill up any empty space. You're trying to create a nice bed for the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the brine. Dry the chicken with paper towels. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Place the chicken, breast side up, onto garlic, lemons, and onions. Tuck the wings underneath the bird and tie the back legs together with kitchen twine. You are simply creating a way for the bird to roast more evenly.
Roast at 425° for approximately an hour and a half or until 165° internal temp at thickest part of the bird. Remove from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes.
After the crispy roasted chicken has rested a few minutes, carve the meat and drizzle with the pan sauce. Enjoy!
tips, tricks, and variations
- Pull the chicken out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before roasting.
- Play with the seasonings. If you like it spicier, add some chili flakes or cayenne to the chicken before roasting for a kick!
- Use the vegetables you have and what you love. I do suggest using a heartier vegetable like carrots, turnips, and potatoes as they hold up to high temperature roasting better, but have fun with it!
- Double check to make sure your chicken is free of any gizzard/innard situation. You don't want to roast those with the chicken.
recipe frequently asked questions
Is this crispy roasted chicken gluten and/or dairy-free?
This recipe is both gluten and dairy-free!
What is a brine?
A brine is a very simple step to ensure the most tender and moist meat you can have. Generally, it's a mix of salt and water. I add a little of my all-purpose seasoning to amp up the flavor.
In this case, the chicken is soaked in the mix of salt, seasoning, and water. This solution gets into the proteins of the meat and results in the most succulent roasted chicken you can imagine. It's a simple step and I highly recommend you do it.
This is the seasoning blend recipe I use. It's great for this brine and so many other things!
serving suggestions
I have so many wonderful side dish and salad recipes that would be amazing with this recipe!
Try my:
Crispy Roasted Potatoes - The absolute best potatoes you'll ever have.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower - Simple and delicious.
Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti Squash - A wonderful vegetable recipe with a fantastic sauce.
Classic Wedge Salad - A blue cheese wedge with a phenomenal dressing and bacon.
Grilled Caesar Salad - A fresh spin on a classic caesar salad.
Recipe
Crispy Roasted Chicken
Ingredients
Brine (Optional)
- ¼ cup kosher salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose seasoning
- water
- ice
Chicken
- 1 whole chicken, gizzards removed
- avocado oil
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 head garlic, halved
- 1-2 med onions, cut into 1 inch rings you want enough onion rings to help fill any open spaces on the roasting pan
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
Brining the Chicken
- Mix salt and seasoning in just enough warm water to dissolve the salt.
- Add ice to chill water.
- Place chicken in brine. Add water to cover bird.
- Place lid on container and store in fridge minimum of 8 hours and to 48 hours.
Roasting the Chicken
- Coat roasting pan or large cast iron skillet with avocado oil.
- Place halves of lemon and garlic head flat side down on to roasting pan.
- Arrange the onion rings to fill up any empty space. You're trying to create a nice bed for the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the brine.
- Dry the chicken with paper towels. Season liberally with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper.
- Place the chicken, breast side up, onto the bed of garlic, lemons, and onions.
- Tuck the wings underneath the bird and tie the legs together with kitchen twine. You are simply creating a way for the bird to roast more evenly.
- Roast at 425° for approximately an hour and a half or until 165° internal temp at thickest part of the bird.
- Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes.
- Slice meat, drizzle with pan drippings, and devour.
- Get a napkin and repeat above step.
Notes
Nutrition
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If you guys make this Crispy Roasted Chicken, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Crispy Roasted Chicken recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok! And, please leave a comment or review. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
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Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Lauren says
I hear shamrock sprinkles are also a great addition to the brine!
Rufus says
I don't see how it wouldn't be amazing!!!