Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This one-hour roasted chicken is the ultimate in convenience and flavor. In only 60 minutes, you can enjoy a roast chicken with perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat, which makes it ideal for a quick family dinner or a special gathering. The chicken is seasoned simply with herbs, garlic, and lemon, allowing the natural flavors to shine through. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs well with nearly any side, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for stuffing the chicken
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Remove the chicken giblets and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin.
- Rub the chicken all over with olive oil.
- Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the halved lemon, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs.
- Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Roasted Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
- Herb Butter Roasted Chicken: Mix softened butter with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and garlic, and rub this under the skin for an extra flavorful roast.
- Lemon and Garlic Roasted Chicken: Add more lemon slices and a few extra garlic cloves for an even more intense lemon-garlic flavor.
- Stuffed Chicken: For a heartier meal, stuff the chicken with a bread-based stuffing before roasting.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. For best results, cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
How can I make sure my chicken stays juicy?
To keep the chicken juicy, ensure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and let the chicken rest before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Can I roast a larger chicken?
Yes, you can. For a larger chicken, simply increase the roasting time by 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What side dishes go well with roasted chicken?
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad all pair beautifully with roasted chicken.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the thigh; it should read 165°F (75°C).
Can I use a different seasoning for the chicken?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or marinades to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to use a roasting rack?
No, a roasting rack is optional. You can place the chicken directly on a baking sheet or in a pan, but the rack helps ensure even cooking and crispy skin.
Can I make this recipe with chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, thighs, or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken. Adjust the cooking time according to the size of the chicken parts.
What can I do if the chicken skin isn’t crispy enough?
If the skin isn’t crispy enough, increase the oven temperature to 475°F (245°C) for the last 10 minutes of roasting or broil the chicken for a few minutes, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
You can season the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before roasting. This will allow the flavors to marinate and deepen.
How can I make sure the chicken is evenly cooked?
To ensure even cooking, try to bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting, and be sure to turn the chicken halfway through cooking if necessary.
Conclusion
This one-hour roasted chicken recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal any night of the week. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can have a perfectly roasted chicken in just one hour. The juicy, tender meat and crispy skin will surely impress your family or guests. Enjoy this versatile dish with a variety of sides, and experiment with different flavors to make it your own.
PrintOne-Hour Roasted Chicken
One-Hour Roasted Chicken – A quick and easy way to enjoy a perfectly roasted chicken with crispy skin and juicy meat in just 60 minutes! This simple recipe is ideal for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Seasoned with garlic, lemon, and herbs, this flavorful roast pairs well with any side dish for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 1hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 pounds)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for stuffing
Instructions
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2️⃣ Prep the chicken: Remove giblets and pat the chicken dry.
3️⃣ Season: Rub with olive oil and coat with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
4️⃣ Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs.
5️⃣ Roast on a rack in a roasting pan or baking sheet for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
6️⃣ Rest for 10 minutes before carving.
