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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let’s chat crispy roasted chicken!
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!
Pre-Roasted 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.
how to make crispy roasted chicken
Time needed: 1 hour and 45 minutes
To make the most amazing crispy roasted chicken, simply:
- Brining
Mix salt and seasoning in water to dissolve. Add ice to chill water. Place chicken in brine. Add water to cover bird. Store in fridge minimum of 8 hours and to a maximum of 48 hours.
- Prep the roasting pan
Coat roasting pan with avocado oil (This prevents any sticking).
- The bed of onions and lemons for the roasted chicken.
Place halves of lemon and 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.
- Add the chicken to the pan.
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 legs together. You are simply creating a way for the bird to roast more evenly.
- Roast and rest.
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.
- Carve and enjoy!
After the crispy roasted chicken has rested a few minutes, carve the meat and drizzle with the pan sauce. Enjoy!
recipe frequently asked questions
This recipe is both gluten and dairy-free!
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!
latest recipes
What do I serve with this crispy roasted chicken?
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.
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Crispy Roasted Chicken with Garlic, Lemon, and Onion
Ingredients
Brine (Optional)
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 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.
- Store in fridge minimum of 8 hours and to 48 hours.
Roasting the Chicken
- Coat roasting pan 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
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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I hear shamrock sprinkles are also a great addition to the brine!
I don’t see how it wouldn’t be amazing!!!