Roast chicken is a timeless classic, beloved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. This basic recipe ensures tender, juicy meat with crispy, golden-brown skin—perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe lets the natural flavors of the chicken shine through, enhanced by optional additions like garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. Follow along to create a delicious roast chicken that will delight your family and guests alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• 1 lemon, halved (optional)
• Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • Remove giblets from the chicken cavity if included and pat dry with paper towels.
   • Season the chicken generously inside and out with salt and pepper.
2. Seasoning:
   • If using garlic, rub minced garlic all over the chicken, or stuff the cavity with garlic cloves.
   • Optionally, stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herbs for added flavor.
3. Trussing (optional):
   • Trussing (tying the legs together with kitchen twine) can help the chicken cook more evenly, but it’s optional.
4. Roasting:
   • Place the chicken breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet.
   • Drizzle olive oil or brush melted butter over the chicken.
   • Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone.
5. Resting:
   • Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.
6. Serving:
   • Carve the chicken and serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• For crispy skin, you can start roasting at a higher temperature (450°F/230°C) for the first 15 minutes, then reduce to 425°F/220°C.
• Feel free to customize the seasoning with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or paprika for extra flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.

Enjoy your roast chicken!