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Dinner

Simple Classic Roasted Chicken

A perfectly golden roasted chicken that brings comfort and joy to any family dinner table.

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

There is something truly special about the smell of a roasting chicken filling the house. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone feel right at home the moment they walk through the door.

I love this recipe because it is straightforward and relies on quality basics. My best tip is to make sure you pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning it, because that ensures the skin gets nice and crispy while it cooks.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole roasting chicken, about 4 pounds
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 lemon, halved
  • 1 head of garlic, cut in half crosswise
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Pat the chicken dry inside and out using paper towels.

  3. 3

    Mix the softened butter with the thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

  4. 4

    Loosen the skin on the breast of the chicken and rub some of the butter mixture underneath it, then rub the remaining butter over the entire outside of the bird.

  5. 5

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

  6. 6

    Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body.

  7. 7

    Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan and roast for about 60 to 75 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you pierce the thigh.

  8. 8

    Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes before carving so the juices stay inside the meat.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can use the leftover carcass to make a wonderful homemade chicken stock later in the week.

#dinner#chicken#comfort food#gluten free#healthy

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