Get ready to transform your kitchen into a cozy farmhouse haven with this mouthwatering whole roasted chicken recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul! Imagine a golden, perfectly seasoned chicken nestled atop a bed of tender, herb-infused vegetables, filling your home with an irresistible aroma that will have everyone rushing to the dinner table. This classic American comfort dish isn't just a meal – it's a culinary experience that brings family and friends together with its simple, hearty goodness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water and pat dry completely with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season the chicken inside and out generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, making sure to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- In a large roasting pan, spread the chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and quartered onions across the bottom, creating a bed of vegetables.
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned whole chicken on top of the vegetable bed, positioning it breast-side up for even cooking.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Every 20 minutes, baste the chicken with its own juices to keep the meat moist and enhance flavor.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve the roasted chicken with the surrounding vegetables, spooning pan drippings over the meat for extra flavor.
Tips
- Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that's absolutely irresistible.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken – the internal temperature should reach exactly 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking. This crucial 10-15 minute break allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like rosemary or sage alongside the dried thyme.
- Choose vegetables that roast well and can absorb the chicken's delicious drippings – root vegetables like carrots and potatoes are perfect companions.
- Basting is key! Those periodic bastings will keep the chicken incredibly juicy and develop a beautiful, rich color.
- If you want extra crispy skin, you can briefly broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
