An incredible crispy 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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And, if you're in the mood for more classic recipes just like this, I've got several for you to choose from! Try my Roasted Cornish Hens, Herb Roasted Chicken, or even my One-Pot Chicken and Rice. They're all simple, comfort foods that taste amazing and everyone enjoy!
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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: Why You Should Do It
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 a covered container 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!
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Tips and Tricks
- Pull the chicken out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before roasting.
- Double check to make sure your chicken is free of any gizzard/innards situation. You don't want to roast those with the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before seasoning. This will ensure the crispy skin we are going after.
- Take the roasted lemon halves and serve those along with the chicken. Everyone can squeeze a little extra juice on their plate. The caramelization that happens is just incredible and the flavor is amazing.
Variations and Substitutions
- 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this crispy roasted chicken gluten and/or dairy-free?
This crispy roasted chicken recipe is both gluten and dairy-free!
Do I have to truss the chicken?
Trussing is just a fancy way of saying to tie the chicken legs and wings together for more even roasting. It's not a big deal. All I do is tuck the wings under the chicken and tie the back legs together. It's not a deal breaker if you don't do it. You'll have a great result either way.
How long do I roast the chicken?
Roasting times will vary slightly due to the size of your bird. In general, plan on roasting for 15-17 minutes per pound.
What temperature do I need to cook the chicken to?
The final internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken needs to be 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to take the guesswork out of this.
You can pull the chicken a little before it reaches 165°F. Carry over cooking will occur and can raise the temp 5-10 degrees after removing it from the oven.
Carving Instructions
- Let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute to the chicken keeping it nice and moist.
- Hold the body still at the breastbone area with a large fork, and use the knife to slice the skin between the thigh and the body. When you cut through the skin, you will be able to see the joint. Cut through the joint. The thigh and leg should now be separated from the body.
- Separate the leg and thigh by simply slicing through the joint between the two.
- Treat the wings the same way. Pull them away from the body and cut through the joint that attaches them to the chicken.
- For the breasts, hold one breast and with your knife carefully slice along the breast bone. Keep going and work your way down the breast bone and under the breast until it is released entirely from the rib cage. I like to slice the breast meat into 3-4 pieces after that.
- Save the carcass for chicken bone broth and dive into that crispy roasted chicken!
Crispy Roasted Chicken Recipe
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 to an hour and a half or until 165° internal temp at thickest part of the bird. The size of your bird will determine actual cook time.
- 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
Serving Ideas
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, delicious, and a fun twist on cauliflower.
- Parmesan Spaghetti Squash - A wonderful vegetable recipe with a fantastic sauce.
- Wedge Salad - A blue cheese wedge salad with a phenomenal dressing and bacon.
- Grilled Caesar Salad - A fresh spin on a classic caesar salad. The lemon in this recipe pairs wonderfully with this crispy roasted chicken!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- This crispy roasted chicken will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To reheat, simply cover with a damp paper towel and warm in small increments in the microwave.
- If you want to freeze leftovers, remove the meat from the chicken. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Don't freeze the onion, garlic, or lemon.
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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!
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!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Fantastic Chicken Recipes
Baked Chicken Tenders - You'll never buy the frozen ones from the store again. These are quick, easy, and so good!
Asian Chicken Wings - A fun spin on a classic wing recipe. Incredible flavors and two dipping sauces!
Air Fryer Chicken Wings - A classic take on wings, but in the air fryer! And, as always, two dipping sauce options!
Chicken Taquitos - A crispy hand held snack! With a jalapeño ranch that is amazing!
Smoked Chicken Salad - A fun twist on a classic chicken salad. It's so good and so easy!
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!!!