Baked Full Chicken Recipe Oven

Baking a full chicken is simple and rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat your 4-5 pound chicken dry, then season it with salt and pepper both inside and out. Stuff the cavity with onion, lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. In a roasting pan, add carrots and celery, drizzled with olive oil. Roast for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting every 20-30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to guarantee juicy meat. You’ll find more tips to enhance this dish’s flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

When you choose to make this baked full chicken recipe, you’ll discover just how easy and efficient it is. Here are some reasons why you’ll love it:

• Faster Cooking Time: Spatchcocking the chicken helps it cook faster and more evenly.
• Minimal Preparation: You’ll need less than 15 minutes to prep, making it quick.
• Less Effort: The oven does most of the work, so you can relax while it cooks.
• Versatile: It’s perfect for family meals or gatherings.
• Serves Many: A whole chicken feeds multiple people, ideal for large groups. Cooking time is also relatively short, ensuring you won’t be waiting long for your meal.

With crispy skin, juicy meat, and rich aromas filling your kitchen, this recipe provides a satisfying meal without hassle.

You’ll enjoy the flavors and the convenience it brings to your dining experience.

Recipe

Baked Full Chicken Recipe

Roasting a full chicken is a delightful way to enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or a cozy dinner at home. The key to achieving perfectly crispy skin and juicy, flavorful meat lies in the preparation and cooking technique. By following this recipe, you’ll learn how to season and roast a chicken that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

To start, it’s important to choose a quality chicken, preferably organic or free-range, as it can greatly enhance the flavor. The aromatics and herbs you add will infuse the meat with delicious flavors, while the vegetables in the roasting pan will create a tasty base for gravy. With a little time and care, you’ll be able to serve a beautifully roasted chicken that’s sure to be the star of your dinner table. Cooking a whole chicken at the right temperature ensures it reaches 165°F internally, making it safe to eat.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 onion, quartered
• 4 cloves garlic, whole
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• Olive oil
• Water or chicken broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out, for enhanced flavor.
2. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion, lemon wedges, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. This will add wonderful flavor to the meat as it cooks. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, ensuring the aromatics stay inside.
3. In a roasting pan, arrange the sliced carrots, celery, and any remaining onion. Drizzle olive oil over both the chicken and the vegetables to promote browning and moisture. Scatter additional fresh herbs over the chicken and vegetables.
4. Pour a cup of water or chicken broth into the roasting pan to help maintain moisture during roasting. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
5. Roast the chicken for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting it with the pan drippings every 20-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
6. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. Serve the carved chicken with the pan drippings or homemade gravy.

For best results, consider spatchcocking the chicken for faster cooking and easier handling. If you prefer softer meat, you can lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and extend the cooking time.

Always remember to check the internal temperature for safety and adjust cooking times based on the size of the chicken. Tenting with foil during the last few minutes of cooking can also help seal in juices and prevent overcooking. Enjoy your deliciously roasted chicken!

Final Thoughts

Serving a perfectly roasted chicken can be a highlight of any meal, and there are a few key considerations to keep in mind as you reflect on your cooking experience.

1. Temperature Control: Verify your chicken reaches internal temperatures of 165-175°F for thighs and 155-160°F for breasts. Use an oven temperature between 375°F to 425°F for best results. Additionally, remember that the cooking time for a 5 lb chicken is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes at 425°F.
2. Even Cooking Techniques: Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together for even cooking.
3. Additional Tips: Pat the chicken dry for better browning, loosen the skin for seasoning, and consider broiling briefly for crispiness.
4. Cooking Time: Plan for about 15 minutes per pound, adjusting for the chicken’s size and initial temperature.

These tips will help you achieve a delicious roast every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Temperature Should I Use to Bake the Chicken?

Imagine a golden, crispy skin beckoning you. You should bake your chicken at 400°F to 425°F for the first 15 minutes, then lower it to 350°F for perfectly juicy, tender meat. Enjoy!

How Long Does It Take to Bake a Whole Chicken?

It typically takes about 20 minutes per pound to bake a whole chicken at 425°F, plus an additional 30 minutes. Adjust the time based on the chicken’s weight for ideal cooking.

Can I Use a Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Absolutely, you can use a frozen chicken! Just think of it as a culinary adventure. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and check that it reaches 165°F for safety before enjoying your meal.

What Side Dishes Pair Well With Baked Chicken?

When you’re serving baked chicken, consider pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a revitalizing Greek salad. These sides enhance the meal, adding flavor and texture that perfectly complement your dish.

How Do I Know When the Chicken Is Fully Cooked?

Knowing when chicken’s fully cooked is like checking a light switch; look for clear juices, firm texture, and an internal temperature of 165°F. Trust your meat thermometer to guarantee safety and deliciousness every time!

Baked Full Chicken Recipe Oven

Serving a perfectly roasted chicken can be a highlight of any meal, and there are a few key considerations to keep in mind as you reflect on your cooking experience. Temperature Control: Verify your chicken reaches internal temperatures of 165-175°F for thighs and 155-160°F for breasts. Use an oven temperature between 375°F to 425°F for best results. Additionally, remember that the cooking time for a 5 lb chicken is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes at 425°F. Even Cooking Techniques: Tuck the wings under the body and tie the legs together for even cooking. Additional Tips: Pat the chicken dry for better browning, loosen the skin for seasoning, and consider broiling briefly for crispiness.

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Ingredients

  

• 1 whole chicken about 4-5 pounds
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 lemon cut into wedges
• 1 onion quartered
• 4 cloves garlic whole
• Fresh herbs thyme, rosemary
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• Olive oil
• Water or chicken broth

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season the chicken liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out, for enhanced flavor.
• Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion, lemon wedges, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. This will add wonderful flavor to the meat as it cooks. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together, ensuring the aromatics stay inside.
• In a roasting pan, arrange the sliced carrots, celery, and any remaining onion. Drizzle olive oil over both the chicken and the vegetables to promote browning and moisture. Scatter additional fresh herbs over the chicken and vegetables.
• Pour a cup of water or chicken broth into the roasting pan to help maintain moisture during roasting. Place the pan in the preheated oven.
• Roast the chicken for 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting it with the pan drippings every 20-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat. Serve the carved chicken with the pan drippings or homemade gravy.
• For best results, consider spatchcocking the chicken for faster cooking and easier handling. If you prefer softer meat, you can lower the oven temperature to 325°F (165°C) and extend the cooking time.
• Always remember to check the internal temperature for safety and adjust cooking times based on the size of the chicken. Tenting with foil during the last few minutes of cooking can also help seal in juices and prevent overcooking. Enjoy your deliciously roasted chicken!