There’s something truly magical about a perfect roast chicken. The aroma filling your home as it cooks is simply irresistible!
With just a handful of ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create an impressive and satisfying meal. The crispy, golden skin gives way to tender, juicy meat infused with the flavors of garlic, onion, and butter.
Served with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted veggies, this is my go-to Sunday dinner.
It’s pure comfort food that never fails to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Roast Chicken
Rich, Savory Taste: This roast chicken offers a delightful balance of savory and buttery notes. The onion and garlic add depth and complexity.
Simple Elegance: This dish looks and tastes sophisticated without requiring advanced culinary skills.
Versatile Serving Options: The roast chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. It’s a versatile choice for any meal, and the leftovers can be served on salads and sandwiches.
Perfect for Entertaining: The impressive presentation of a whole roast chicken makes it an ideal centerpiece for any gathering.
Ingredients
- Whole Chicken: The star of the show, a 3-pound whole chicken provides the perfect canvas for our flavorful roast.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essential seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the chicken, adding depth and warmth.
- Onion Powder: It infuses the chicken with a subtle flavor, complementing the fresh onions beneath.
- Butter: Rich and indulgent, butter adds moisture and a golden glow to the roasted chicken.
- Celery: It adds a pop of freshness to the chicken’s cavity, balancing the richness of the butter.
- Onion: It creates a sweet and savory bed for the chicken to rest upon.
- Garlic: Whole cloves are tucked into the chicken’s cavity, taking the flavor over the top.
How to Make Roast Chicken
You don’t need to be a pro chef to whip up roast chicken. It’s so easy!
1. Prep the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the chicken. Place the chicken on a bed of thick onion slices in a roasting pan. Season the chicken generously inside and out with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the butter and aromatics. Insert 3 tablespoons of butter and the whole garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken. Cut the celery stalk into 3 or 4 pieces and add them to the cavity as well. Spread the remaining butter over the chicken’s exterior.
4. Roast the chicken. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.
5. Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with the pan drippings. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy the flavorful roast chicken with the aromatic onions and garlic!
Tips for the Best Roast Chicken
Follow these tips for a chicken feast you’ll never forget.
- Get it good and dry. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure crispy skin.
- Leave it alone. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
- Ditch the dairy. For a dairy-free option, replace butter with margarine or olive oil.
- Switch up the flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, paprika, or lemon zest, to create unique flavor profiles.
- Truss it. Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to ensure even cooking and a more attractive presentation.
- Baste regularly. Baste the chicken every 20-30 minutes with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Jazz up the leftovers. Use leftover chicken in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles for quick and delicious meals.
- Make it a true feast. Pair roast chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store
As I said, this chicken is so perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store it.
To Store: Place cooled roast chicken in an air-tight container or wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: Wrap the cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 4 months.
To Reheat: Warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Roast Chicken
6
servings15
minutes1
hour15
minutes508
This classic roast chicken is a simple yet delicious meal perfect for any occasion. Seasoned with onion powder, salt, and pepper, and stuffed with garlic and celery, it roasts to golden perfection.
Ingredients
1 whole chicken (approximately 3 pounds), giblets removed
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon onion powder, or to taste
½ cup butter
1 stalk celery, leaves removed
1 large onion, thickly sliced
3 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Place the chicken on a bed of thick onion slices in a roasting pan. Season the chicken generously inside and out with onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Insert 3 tablespoons of butter and the whole garlic cloves into the cavity of the chicken. Cut the celery stalk into 3 or 4 pieces and add them to the cavity as well. Spread the remaining butter over the chicken’s exterior.
- Transfer the pan to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken uncovered for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and baste it with the pan drippings. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 30 minutes before carving and serving. Enjoy the flavorful roast chicken with the aromatic onions and garlic!
