Your Dinner Staple: How to Roast the Perfect Chicken

At our homestead, raising our own meat birds is more than just a hobby; it’s a way of life. I’ve taken an active role in the entire process, from caring for the chicks to butchering the chickens. This deep connection with our flock not only enriches our lives but also ensures that we know exactly what goes into our food. While not everyone has the opportunity to raise their own chickens, understanding how to choose the best quality chicken can significantly elevate your roast chicken game.

Here is a list of butchering supplies on my amazon storefront. If you are interested in butchering your own chickens, please read our guide here.

When shopping for chicken, it’s important to know the differences between labels. Free-range chickens, for instance, might not necessarily have the freedom you’d expect. Pasture-raised birds, on the other hand, spend their days roaming on grassy pastures, pecking at bugs and enjoying a natural diet. Then there are organic chickens, which are fed a diet free from GMOs and synthetic additives. Additionally, antibiotic-free birds are available, ensuring that you’re serving your family a wholesome meal. Knowing what goes into your chicken gives you peace of mind, especially when you’re serving it at the dinner table.

Learning to cook the perfect roast chicken is an essential skill for any homemaker. As a busy mom of four with a husband in the military, I understand the value of having simple, delicious recipes on hand. A beautifully roasted chicken can be the perfect way to wrap up a hectic day, providing nourishment and comfort with minimal fuss. Once you grasp the basics, you can easily pop a seasoned bird in the oven, letting it do the work while you attend to other tasks.

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Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 whole chicken (ideally pasture-raised or organic)
4 table spoons of soft butter
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or sage)
1 lemon, halved
4-5 garlic cloves, smashed
Seasonal vegetables (carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Chicken:
Start by removing the chicken from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that prized crispy skin. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting, if possible.

2. Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A higher temperature is key to crisping the skin while keeping the meat juicy.

3. Season Generously:
Rub the chicken with the soft butter, ensuring even coverage. Season liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor.

4. Add Flavor Inside:
Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs. This infusion of flavor will elevate your roast chicken to new heights.

5. Prepare the Vegetables:
If you’d like to roast vegetables alongside the chicken, chop them into even pieces, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan.

6. Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. For added flavor, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through for extra moisture.

7. Rest Before Serving:
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is vital for juicy meat.

8. Carve and Enjoy:
Carve the chicken using a sharp knife, serving it alongside the roasted vegetables. Drizzle some pan juices over the top for added flavor.

Embracing Simplicity in Cooking

As a busy mom, I appreciate recipes that are straightforward yet rewarding. Once you master the art of roasting chicken, it becomes a reliable go-to for those busy evenings. New recipes and cooking skills may require some time and practice, but once learned, they become invaluable staples in your kitchen repertoire.

So, whether you’re raising your own chickens or selecting the best from your local market, roasting the perfect chicken can transform your dinners into something special. Embrace the process, enjoy the rewards, and savor the delicious moments shared around your table. Happy roasting!

Print Recipe

Your Dinner Staple: How to Roast the Perfect Chicken

Ingredients

1 whole chicken ideally pasture-raised or organic
4 table spoons of soft butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or sage
1 lemon halved
4-5 garlic cloves smashed
Seasonal vegetables carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.

Instructions

Prepare Your Chicken:
Start by removing the chicken from its packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that prized crispy skin. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting, if possible.
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). A higher temperature is key to crisping the skin while keeping the meat juicy.
Season Generously:
Rub the chicken with the soft butter, ensuring even coverage. Season liberally with salt and pepper, both inside and out. This step is crucial for maximizing flavor.
Add Flavor Inside:
Stuff the cavity with halved lemon, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs. This infusion of flavor will elevate your roast chicken to new heights.
Prepare the Vegetables:
If you’d like to roast vegetables alongside the chicken, chop them into even pieces, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Roast the Chicken:
Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. For added flavor, you can tie the legs together with kitchen twine. Roast for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Baste the chicken with its own juices halfway through for extra moisture.
Rest Before Serving:
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This step is vital for juicy meat.
Carve and Enjoy:
Carve the chicken using a sharp knife, serving it alongside the roasted vegetables. Drizzle some pan juices over the top for added flavor