Oven Roasted Whole Chicken Recipe (2024)

5 from 1 vote

Author: Sangeetha Vel

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Indian

Diet: Halal

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

For Marination

• ▢ ½ tsp Ginger Powder
• ▢ ½ tsp Garlic Powder
• ▢ ¾ tsp Onion Powder
• ▢ ½ tsp Pepper Powder, black or white pepper
• ▢ 1 tsp Chili Powder, or paprika, for less heat
• ▢ Salt, as needed
• ▢ 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil

Other Key Ingredients

• ▢ 4 lb Whole Chicken, skin-on
• ▢ 4 Garlic Cloves
• ▢ 2 sprigs Mint Leaves, or cilantro, thyme or rosemary
• ▢ 2 wedges Lemon

Preparing Marinade

• In a mixing bowl, add ginger, garlic, and onion powders along with pepper and chili powders for a spicy kick. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt for taste. Stir these dry ingredients until they're well combined, ensuring a uniform flavor base.

  

• Pour lemon juice into the mix for a tangy twist, followed by oil to bind the spices together and add moisture. Whisk them vigorously to create a smooth, well-integrated marinade that's ready to transform your chicken into a flavorful masterpiece.

  

Marinating Whole Chicken

• Begin by taking the cleaned whole chicken and carefully make slits near the breasts and legs with a sharp knife. These incisions allow the chicken to better absorb the marinade, ensuring the flavors penetrate deeply.

  

• Apply a generous layer of the prepared marinade over the entire chicken. Use your hands to rub it in thoroughly, covering every part, so the seasoning is evenly distributed.

  

• Stuff the cavity of the chicken with mint leaves, garlic, and lemon wedges for added aroma and flavor. Finally, use a small twine to tie the legs of the chicken together, which helps it maintain a good shape and cook evenly.

  

Oven Roasting the Chicken

• Start by placing the marinated whole chicken on an oil-greased baking tray, ensuring it's ready for even cooking.

  

• Roast the chicken in a preheated oven at 375° F. The total baking time should be around 1 hour and 20 minutes. To enhance the taste and ensure even flavor, baste the chicken every 20 minutes. For a perfectly crispy skin, switch the oven to broil mode during the last 5 to 7 minutes of roasting.

  

• Once the time is up, carefully remove the Roasted Chicken from the oven. It's now ready to be served, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures for you to enjoy.

  

Serving

• Enjoy your Oven Roasted Chicken with a variety of sides to complete the meal. For more creative and delicious pairing ideas, refer to our serving suggestions section.

  

Here are some valuable tips for perfecting your Roasted Chicken:

Preparation and Cooking Techniques:

• Room Temperature Start: Bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting. This helps it cook more evenly and reduces cooking time.
• Seasoning Mastery: The secret to a flavorsome chicken lies in the marinade. Begin with a basic mix of ginger, garlic, onion, chili powders, and salt. For more variety, explore my array of seasoning and marinade recipes to find unique flavors that suit your taste. Personalizing your spice blend can greatly enhance the chicken's flavor.
• Cavity Creativity: Stuffing the cavity with lemon wedges and garlic imparts a refreshing zest and subtle garlicky flavor. Herbs play a crucial role too; while mint leaves offer a fresh twist, experimenting with rosemary, cilantro, or parsley can introduce new layers of aroma and taste.
• Marinade Variations: For an indulgent twist, try using garlic butter as your marinade. It adds a creamy texture and a rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken's natural taste.
• Trussing the Chicken: Trussing (tying up) the chicken helps maintain its shape and ensures even cooking. It also prevents the tips of the wings and legs from burning.
• Optimal Oven Temperature: The right temperature is key to a perfectly roasted chicken. A balance between too high and too low ensures the chicken is cooked through without drying out, preserving its juiciness while achieving a crisp exterior.

Flavor Enhancement and Final Touches:

• Basting Benefits: Regular basting is more than just a cooking step; it's a flavor enhancer. By basting the chicken with its own juices every 20 minutes, you're allowing it to reabsorb the flavors, ensuring each bite is as moist and savory as the last. This technique is especially helpful for maintaining succulence in the breast meat.
• Vegetable Bed: Place the chicken on a bed of vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery in the roasting pan. This not only elevates the chicken for even cooking but also flavors the drippings, which can be used for a delicious gravy.
• Checking Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken's internal temperature. As per FDA, the safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast and thigh.
• Resting Time: After roasting, let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it's moist and flavorful when served.
• Broiling for Crispiness: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Herb Brush: Create a brush using fresh herbs tied to a wooden spoon. Use this to baste the chicken, adding an extra layer of herb flavor.

Additional Tips:

• Roasting Time and Temperature for Whole Chicken: For a juicy and crispy chicken, roast a 4 lb chicken at 370°F for approximately 1 hr and 20 minutes. The roasting time can vary depending on the size and specific oven temperature. For the final touch, broil for the last 5-7 minutes. An alternative method is to start at 370°F for the first 30 minutes, then increase the heat to 400°F for the remaining time, resulting in similar crispiness and juicy meat with ample pan juices.