In this article, I’ll instruct you how to cook a whole chicken in the oven perfectly with a flavorful seasoning blend and buttery, crispy skin. Using a combination of common spices like paprika, thyme, and garlic powder, this recipe ensures your chicken is full of flavor, while the butter helps keep the meat moist and the skin perfectly crispy.
1. Oven Baked Whole Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole small chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cleaned of giblets and patted dry
- ¼ cup room temperature butter (for rubbing on the skin and under it)
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan or oven-safe skillet with a rack (to elevate the chicken)
- Basting brush or your hands (for applying the butter)
- Meat thermometer (to ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for tenting the chicken if needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roasting at a high temperature helps to crisp up the skin while the inside stays juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If not already done, remove the giblets from the chicken’s cavity and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Drying the chicken helps the skin crisp up during roasting.
Step 3: Make the Seasoning Blend
In a small bowl, combine 4 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon white pepper, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Rub the butter: Using your hands or a basting brush, rub the ¼ cup of room temperature butter all over the chicken. Make sure to get some butter both on the skin and underneath it (gently lift the skin away from the breast to rub some butter underneath).
Apply the seasoning: Generously sprinkle the seasoning blend all over the chicken, ensuring you cover every part, including the cavity. Massage the seasoning into the skin for even distribution.
Step 5: Prepare for Roasting
Truss the chicken (optional): If you’d like, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine to help the chicken cook evenly and maintain its shape.
Place the chicken on a rack: Set the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan or oven-safe skillet. Elevating the chicken allows the air to circulate around it, which helps with even cooking and crisping the skin.
Step 6: Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This initial high heat helps to crisp the skin.
After 15 minutes, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh (without touching the bone).
Step 7: Baste and Monitor
Halfway through roasting, baste the chicken with the juices that collect at the bottom of the pan. This ensures the skin stays moist and flavorful. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Step 8: Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken more tender and easier to carve.
Step 9: Carve and Serve
After resting, carve the chicken by slicing between the joints to separate the wings, thighs, drumsticks, and breast. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad.
2. Tips for the Best Oven Baked Whole Chicken
Pat the Chicken Dry: Drying the skin thoroughly before seasoning helps the skin crisp up while roasting.
Butter Under the Skin: Rubbing butter under the skin ensures the breast meat stays moist and flavorful, while the butter on top helps the skin brown and crisp up beautifully.
Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasoning. The salt and spices help to flavor the meat as well as the skin, and a well-seasoned chicken is key to a delicious roast.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The thickest part of the thigh should read 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting allows the juices to settle, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
3. How to Serve Oven Baked Whole Chicken
This roasted whole chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
Classic Comfort Sides:
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect companion to juicy roast chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes can roast alongside the chicken for an easy side dish.
Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans add a fresh and vibrant touch to the meal.
Light and Fresh:
Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a lighter option.
Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice, pilaf, or couscous make excellent sides to soak up the flavorful chicken juices.
For Leftovers:
Chicken Salad: Use leftover chicken to make a simple chicken salad with mayonnaise, celery, and herbs.
Chicken Soup: Boil the leftover chicken carcass to make a rich stock, then add noodles and vegetables for a comforting chicken soup.
4. How to Store & Reheat Leftover
Storing: Store leftover roasted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. To keep the chicken moist, cover it with foil while reheating. You can also reheat smaller portions in the microwave, though the skin may lose some crispness.
This Oven Baked Whole Chicken Recipe is an easy and delicious way to prepare a perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken with crispy skin. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
