Few dishes are as comforting and universally loved as a perfectly roasted chicken. This Simple Roast Chicken recipe delivers a juicy, tender bird with beautifully crispy skin, seasoned simply with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. It’s an incredibly easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or whenever you crave that classic, wholesome taste of home.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Simple Roast Chicken recipe is a foundational skill in any kitchen, and I absolutely adore it for its uncomplicated approach and consistently delicious results! What I love most is how effortlessly it transforms a whole chicken into a golden, succulent masterpiece. The key is simply patting the chicken dry and seasoning it well; the oven does the rest, creating that coveted crispy skin while keeping the meat wonderfully juicy and tender. The Italian seasoning adds a fragrant, savory depth that’s universally appealing. It’s a complete meal on its own, incredibly satisfying, and makes fantastic leftovers for sandwiches, salads, or meal prep throughout the week. It truly feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Simple Roast Chicken:
- 1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken, giblet packet removed from cavity
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste (generous amounts)
Swaps and Notes
- Whole Chicken: A 4 to 5-pound chicken is ideal for even roasting and typically serves 4-6 people. Ensure the giblet packet (often found in the cavity) is removed before cooking.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and promotes crispy skin.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Feel free to use individual dried herbs you prefer.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Season generously. Kosher salt helps to draw out moisture for crispier skin.
- Optional Aromatics for Cavity: You can stuff the chicken cavity with aromatics like lemon halves, onion quarters, and extra garlic cloves for added flavor (discard before carving).
- Optional Vegetables for Pan: You can roast vegetables like chopped potatoes, carrots, and onions in the pan around the chicken, which will absorb the delicious pan drippings.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Simple Roast Chicken cooking!
- Preheat Oven & Prep Chicken: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking rack in the lower third of the oven (or leave it in the middle). Remove the giblet packet from the chicken cavity. Bring the whole chicken to room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before roasting (this helps it cook more evenly). Pat the chicken very dryinside and out with paper towels – this is crucial for crispy skin.
- Season Chicken: Place the chicken breast side up in an oven-safe pan (a cast iron skillet, roasting pan, or a large oven-safe baking dish works well). Drizzle with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil and use your hands to rub it all over the chicken, ensuring even coverage. Season the chicken generously all over with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, patting the seasoning into the skin with your hands.
- Roast: Place the pan with the chicken in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 120 minutes (2 hours). The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) when an instant-read thermometer is placed in the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The juices should run clear.
- Note on Oven Temperature: While the recipe states 425°F for preheating, the cooking temperature given is 350°F. For this recipe, set your oven to 425°F as noted in step 1, as that higher temperature is ideal for crispy skin and a 2-hour cook time for a 4-5lb bird. If your chicken starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil during the last 30-45 minutes of baking.
- Rest & Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the oven. Let the chicken rest, uncovered, on a cutting board for 15 minutes before carving, slicing, and serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Pat Dry, Very Dry: This is the most important step for crispy skin. Moisture on the skin will lead to steaming, not crisping.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Allowing the chicken to come closer to room temperature promotes more even cooking.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and herbs. They add immense flavor.
- Use a Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature (165°F / 74°C in the thigh) without overcooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken breasts can become dry. The higher roasting temperature helps ensure the breast cooks through while the thighs become tender.
- Resting Period: This step is crucial for juicy chicken. Do not skip it! The temperature will continue to rise a few degrees during this time.
- Save Pan Drippings (Optional): The drippings in the pan are full of flavor and can be used to make a simple gravy or drizzled over rice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Simple Roast Chicken is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic comfort food sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement, especially with a little pan gravy.
- Roasted Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, onions, or Brussels sprouts roasted in the same pan or separately.
- Green Beans or Asparagus: Simple steamed or roasted vegetable sides.
- Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread: For soaking up any delicious juices.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing chicken meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Roast chicken makes fantastic leftovers and is incredibly versatile for meal prep!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftover roast chicken (meat separated from bones if desired) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or for best results, reheat sliced chicken in a covered dish in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Cooked roast chicken (shredded or chopped) freezes well. Store in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Leftover Ideas: Use shredded chicken for sandwiches, salads (like our A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight)), soups, tacos, or casseroles.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the classic, comforting, and deeply flavorful nature of this roast chicken, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re a fan of satisfying chicken and cheese dishes, our These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a must-try.
- And for a fresh, light take on a chicken dish, you’ll love A Light Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (And There’s No Mayo In Sight).
Final Thoughts
This Simple Roast Chicken recipe is a timeless classic for a reason – it’s incredibly comforting, deeply flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table and savor with loved ones, promising a big taste of homemade goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your home! What’s your favorite simple roasted meal? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below!
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