How to Roast a Whole Chicken

Learn how to roast a whole chicken with my simple, tried-and-true method. Starting in a 450°F oven before reducing the heat to 400°F helps create golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It’s an easy technique I’ve relied on for years!

Prep Time12

Cook Time1 20

Total Time1 32

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken, how to cook a whole chicken, how to roast a whole chicken, roasted whole chicken

Servings: servings

Author: Silvia Dunnirvine

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, about 4 lbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp garlic powder
1/2 tbsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
Coat the entire chicken with olive oil. Season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper, making sure to season the breast, back, legs and wings.
Place the chicken in the 450°F oven and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 400°F.
Roast until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken without touching bone. Begin checking the temperature early rather than relying exclusively on cooking time.
Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Nutrition