Perfect Simple Roast Chicken Recipe

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as the aroma of a simple roast chicken filling your home on any day of the week. This classic simple roast chicken recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and impressive results, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. At www.dailymeatrecipe.com, we’ve perfected this timeless meat dish to ensure you achieve a beautifully golden, crispy skin with tender, juicy meat underneath every single time. Whether you’re a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this simple roast chicken recipe will quickly become your go-to method for preparing this beloved poultry dish.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Whole chicken	1 (4-5 pounds)	Fresh or fully thawed
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	Softened at room temperature
Garlic cloves	4-6	Peeled and lightly crushed
Fresh lemon	1	Cut in half
Fresh rosemary	2-3 sprigs	Or 1 tablespoon dried
Fresh thyme	2-3 sprigs	Or 1 tablespoon dried
Yellow onion	1 medium	Quartered
Kosher salt	1-2 tablespoons	To taste
Black pepper	1-2 teaspoons	Freshly ground
Olive oil	2 tablespoons	Extra virgin preferred
Chicken broth	1 cup	For basting (optional)

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 48g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 640mg

Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking throughout your simple roast chicken recipe.
2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3. Remove any giblets or neck pieces from the cavity of the chicken and pat the entire bird dry with paper towels, inside and out. Drying the meat thoroughly is key to achieving crispy skin on your simple roast chicken.
4. Place the chicken breast-side up on a cutting board and tuck the wing tips under the body to prevent burning.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with half of the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper to create a compound butter.
2. Gently loosen the skin over the breast by sliding your fingers between the skin and meat, being careful not to tear the skin.
3. Spread about two-thirds of the compound butter mixture under the skin of the breast and thighs.
4. Rub the remaining butter mixture all over the outside of the chicken.
5. Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper.
6. Stuff the cavity with the lemon halves, remaining garlic cloves, herb sprigs, and quartered onion.
7. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and drizzle the outside with olive oil.
8. Season the entire exterior of the chicken with additional salt and pepper.

Step 3: Roast the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or on a rack in a large baking dish.
2. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, if using.
3. Roast the chicken for 50-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
4. If desired, baste the chicken with pan juices or chicken broth every 20 minutes for extra moisture.
5. If the skin is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

1. Once cooked, remove the simple roast chicken from the oven and tent loosely with foil.
2. Allow the meat to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier simple roast chicken.
3. Remove the stuffing items and twine before carving.
4. Slice and serve warm with the pan juices spooned over the top.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your simple roast chicken into a complete meal with these delicious serving ideas from www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Pair with roasted potatoes and carrots that can cook alongside the chicken in the same pan for a classic Sunday dinner.
• Serve with a fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the meat.
• Make a quick pan gravy using the drippings for an extra layer of flavor in this meat recipe.
• Accompany with steamed seasonal vegetables for a healthy, balanced plate.
• Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices from this simple roast chicken recipe.
• For a more elegant presentation, place the carved meat on a bed of wilted spinach or mashed potatoes.

Pro Tips for Perfect Simple Roast Chicken

Master this easy meat recipe with these helpful tips from the experts at www.dailymeatrecipe.com:

• Room Temperature: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
• Dry Skin: The key to crispy skin is thoroughly patting the chicken dry before seasoning.
• Butter Under Skin: Don’t skip the step of putting butter under the skin – it’s what makes this simple roast chicken recipe exceptionally flavorful and moist.
• Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness every time, invest in a good meat thermometer and cook to temperature rather than time.
• Rest Period: The 15-20 minute rest period is non-negotiable for juicy meat; resist the temptation to carve immediately.
• Save the Carcass: After enjoying your meal, save the chicken bones to make homemade stock for future recipes.
• Trussing Alternative: If you don’t have kitchen twine, you can still achieve a well-cooked bird by simply tucking the legs close to the body.

Variations of This Simple Roast Chicken Recipe

Customize this versatile meat recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs:

• Herb-Lovers: Increase the herbs by adding sage, oregano, or tarragon to the butter mixture for a more aromatic simple roast chicken.
• Spicy Version: Add paprika, cayenne, or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Infusion: Substitute the lemon with orange or lime, or use a combination for a brighter flavor profile.
• Wine-Braised: Add 1/2 cup of white wine to the bottom of the pan for a more complex flavor.
• Garlic Enthusiast: Double the garlic for an intensely flavored simple roast chicken recipe.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace butter with olive oil or duck fat for equally delicious results if avoiding dairy.
• Root Vegetable Bed: Roast the chicken on a bed of carrots, parsnips, and turnips for an easy one-pan meal.

Conclusion

This simple roast chicken recipe proves that sometimes the most basic preparations yield the most satisfying results. With its crispy golden skin and tender, flavorful meat, this dish is sure to become a regular feature at your dinner table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility – master the basic technique, and you can endlessly customize it to suit your preferences.

We’d love to hear how your simple roast chicken turned out! Visit www.dailymeatrecipe.com to share your experience, upload photos of your creation, or explore our vast collection of other meat recipes. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly recipe inspirations delivered straight to your inbox.

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