Description
Crispy, golden oven-fried chicken delivers Southern comfort without deep-frying hassle. Herb-seasoned coating and perfect crunch make this dish a crowd-pleasing masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
- 2 lemons, halved
- 1 head of garlic, halved crosswise
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
Seasoning:
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Liquid and Oil:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the rack in the center for even roasting.
- Clean the whole chicken thoroughly, removing internal organs and patting the surface completely dry with clean paper towels.
- Enhance the cavity’s flavor by seasoning with salt and pepper, then generously fill with fragrant lemon halves, crushed garlic cloves, and half of the fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs.
- Prepare the chicken for even cooking by securing the legs together using kitchen twine and carefully folding the wing tips underneath the body to prevent burning.
- Create a flavorful exterior by massaging olive oil across the entire chicken surface, then liberally sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure a well-seasoned roast.
- Position the chicken breast side up in a sturdy roasting pan, ensuring it sits comfortably without touching the pan’s sides.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, checking doneness by observing clear juices when piercing between the leg and thigh.
- Once cooked, immediately remove from the oven and loosely tent with aluminum foil, allowing the chicken to rest and redistribute internal juices for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh to guarantee food safety.
- Experiment with herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, sage, or za’atar to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken’s natural taste.
- For a gluten-free and low-carb option, replace traditional trussing with silicone bands or skip trussing entirely, which won’t compromise the chicken’s cooking quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg