Are you tired of dry, bland chicken that leaves you disappointed? Get ready to transform your dinner game with this ultimate Clean Eating Roasted Chicken recipe that promises crispy, golden skin and incredibly moist meat that will have your family begging for seconds! This foolproof method turns an ordinary whole chicken into a restaurant-quality masterpiece that's not just delicious, but also incredibly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or parsley)
Instructions
- Remove the whole chicken from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Position the oven rack in the middle of the oven for optimal heat circulation.
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps achieve crispy, golden skin.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a seasoning blend.
- Gently loosen the chicken's skin with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Rub half of the seasoning mixture directly under the skin to infuse flavor into the meat.
- Rub the remaining seasoning mixture all over the exterior of the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs. This adds aromatic flavor from the inside.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast-iron skillet. If available, use a roasting rack to elevate the chicken and allow air circulation.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 15-30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the chicken's weight.
- Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
- Carve the chicken and serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture Matters: Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning. This is the secret to achieving that irresistibly crispy, golden skin.
- Seasoning Technique: Don't just season the outside! Gently work your seasoning mixture under the skin to infuse flavor directly into the meat.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Never guess about doneness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow your chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute juices, ensuring every bite is succulent and tender.
- Elevate When Possible: If you have a roasting rack, use it! Elevated cooking allows better air circulation and more even browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 140mg
