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Dinner

Simple Classic Roast Chicken

A golden and juicy roast chicken that makes for a perfect Sunday dinner.

By Daily Recipes Book· 🌍 American· July 15, 2026
Simple Classic Roast Chicken
dailyrecipesbook.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
75 minutes
Total
90 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like the smell of a roast chicken cooking in the oven. It is one of those timeless meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

I love this recipe because it is so straightforward. My biggest tip is to pat the skin dry with a paper towel before roasting, because dry skin is the secret to getting that beautiful crispy finish.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Remove the giblets from the chicken and pat the bird dry inside and out with paper towels.

  3. 3

    Place the chicken in a roasting pan or a large cast iron skillet.

  4. 4

    Rub the chicken all over with olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper.

  5. 5

    Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon halves, garlic head, rosemary, and thyme.

  6. 6

    Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together with kitchen twine if you have it.

  7. 7

    Roast the chicken for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until an instant read thermometer reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.

  8. 8

    Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to keep the meat juicy.

💡 Tips

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can use the carcass to make a delicious homemade stock, and leftover meat works wonderfully in salads or warm sandwiches.

#dinner#chicken#roast#healthy#high protein

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