here’s a golden roasted whole chicken recipe that comes out crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned every time. 🍗✨
🌟 Golden Roasted Whole Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika (for golden color)
- 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- Fresh herbs (rosemary/thyme) – optional
🧡 Optional Brine (for extra juicy chicken)
Mix:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
Soak chicken 2–4 hours, then rinse and pat dry.
🥘 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Preheat to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Remove giblets and pat the chicken dry.
- Tuck wings under the body.
- Rub the outside with olive oil or butter.
3. Season
Mix spices in a small bowl:
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- thyme/rosemary (optional)
Rub all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible.
4. Add Flavor Inside
Place inside the cavity:
- lemon halves
- smashed garlic cloves
- herbs (optional)
5. Roast
Place chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack (or in a pan).
Roast at 425°F for 1 hour – 1 hour 15 minutes, until:
- Internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C) in thickest part of thigh
- Juices run clear
6. Rest
Let chicken rest 10–15 minutes before carving.
This locks in the juices.
🧡 Tips for Extra Crispy Skin
- Pat chicken very dry before seasoning
- Roast at high heat (425°F)
- Baste once or twice with pan juices
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted veggies
- Rice pilaf
- Simple salad